An odd request: my father, who is a general practitioner, has got it in his head that he wants a textbook in ophthalmology for his bookshelf. He asked me to track down the best book, the one ophthalmologists would buy, and get it for him. Who knows whether he'll ever read it, but for the sake of this thread let's say that he will.

Is there a consensus "definitive" textbook for general ophthalmology? In the absence of a definitive text, what are the major texts that I should be choosing from? My father mentioned to me that he would like a textbook that discusses all of the "latest and greatest" in procedures -- take that for what it's worth.

Thanks.

kanski??

wills eye would probably be the most bang for the buck in terms of being helpful

Wills eye or Kanski or the academy series....

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I'll go with that Wills Eye
book unless anyone has a better idea. Please share if you do.

Wills Eye is probably the most used text. But, it will be
a boring read for most non-ophthalmologists. The book
just lists diagnosis, differential, symptoms/signs, and treatment.
Virtually no photos in the older versions.

Kanski might serve him better if he is going to read it.
It includes photos, which may help in diagnosis. It offers
basic information for a general practitioner. Many trainees
use this book early on in residency.

Yanoff and Duker Ophthalmology is more comprehensive
than Wills or Kanski. It is probably too detailed for use
by a general practitioner. Same with the Academy series.
It's like us referring to Harrison's Internal Medicine book.

There are no comprehensive books on the 'latest and greatest.'
Besides, the latest and greatest will change every 5-10 years.