Interview with Dr. Myron Yanoff and Dr. Jay S. Duker

How has Ophthalmology evolved since the previous edition? How has it evolved since the first edition? 

At the time of the first edition in 1999, several excellent multivolume textbooks of ophthalmology existed. However, we believed a complete, single-volume textbook directed towards trainees, non-ophthalmologists, and those general ophthalmologists who wanted an update in areas that they were not experts in would fill a niche. Ophthalmology was created to fill this void between the multivolume and the narrow subspecialty book. Each section was color coded for easy access. With each new edition, we have strived to make it comprehensive, readable, and easy to access. We have routinely added new material and discarded outdated material with each edition. All chapters are thoroughly revised and new entities added with every new edition.   

What is the most exciting aspect of the new edition?  What chapter or topic covered are you most excited about? 

The new edition continues our pursuit of updating new material, deleting outdated material, maintaining the one-volume format, and color-coding each section. Although all chapters are well done, the most exciting, and the largest section is Retina. In addition, with the frequent updating we are able to keep readers fully informed on the latest new topics, treatments, technology and techniques. 

Who will find the greatest value from this book and why? Has the audience changed since the book first published? 

Those general ophthalmologists who need an update in areas that they are not expert, as well as trainees, optometrists, and non-ophthalmologists, e.g., neurologists, looking for specific topics. 

What problem do you hope the future generation of ophthalmologists will be able to solve? 

1. Intraocular lenses with better accommodation abilities. 

2. A cure for herpes ocular infections. 

3. Stabilizing or reversing myopia. 

4. Neuroprotection in glaucoma. 

5. Therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration. 

6. Office-based cataract surgery. 

7. Better sustained release drug delivery systems. 

Is there anything else about the book you’d like to say?  

The fact that we were able to continue this book for six editions spanning four decades of ophthalmic innovation speaks to the unique format and excellent authors.  

About the Editors  

Myron Yanoff, M.D. 

Adjunct Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania 

Chair Emeritus, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Drexel 

Former Director Scheie Eye Institute and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania 

Jay S. Duker, M.D. 

Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine 

Former Director of the New England Eye Center and Chair of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center and the Tufts University School of Medicine