Strabismus - Fundamentals of Clinical Ophthalmology.pdf

Introduction
Medical students have a disturbing way of asking what appear to be simple questions but on reflection
are disarmingly penetrating in their focus. Take for example, the medical student who was on our
pediatric ophthalmology service recently who dared to ask, “What are the neuroanatomic and
neurophysiologic correlates of congenital strabismus?” That we are unable to answer this question in
detail is disturbing. However, the breadth of basic science insights into the understanding of the
nature of amblyopia and strabismus that have been published in the last few years is impressive.
In this book Professor Francis A Billson, University of Sydney, brings all the recent findings of
neuroscience that address the issues of amblyopia and strabismus and places them squarely in the
discussion of clinical management of these problems. His ability to blend the science and clinical
practice issues relating to amblyopia and strabismus is unique. He details the supranuclear control
systems of ocular motor function and places strabismus within the context of a “neurologic” motor
disturbance rather than simply an end-organ anomaly. Yet, his discussion is straightforward, concise
and ultimately addressed to the clinician. While the reader of this text may not be able to answer the
question put forth by our medical student, he or she will have a much more detailed scientific
foundation from which to view amblyopia and strabismus. While this text is primarily written for the
trainee, even the most experienced strabismus expert will find more than a few insights that will make
a careful reading of it worthwhile.
Creig S Hoyt
Jean Kelly Stock
Distinguished Professor
Interim Chair
Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF
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