In the preface to his book, Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology, Dr. Gelatt lets us know that the purpose of this book is to aid veterinary students and practitioners in the diagnosis and clinical treatment of common eye diseases. This book is not an in-depth exploration of advanced ophthalmology. For advanced instruction, the reader is directed instead to Dr. Gelatt’s Veterinary Ophthalmology. 4th ed. (2007), from which much information for this book is drawn. This book is a handy clinical reference for both students and general practitioners.
Although the primary species focused on in this text is the dog, there are also chapters specifically targeting cats, horses, food animals, and exotics. Chapters dealing with diagnostics, neuro-ophthalmology, and systemic disease are included as well. Appendices emphasize drugs used in ophthalmology and inherited eye diseases in major species. Navigation of this book is straightforward, with indices, a glossary, clear headings, and bold sentences throughout the text that highlight vital information. The text is easy to read and understand. There are tables and diagrams throughout the book that clarify the subjects being addressed. A focus of this edition is a large number of color photographs on almost every page of text. Photos include radiographs, ultrasonographs, and retinal images along with photos of many lesions which will certainly aid practitioners in diagnosis of these diseases.
As a small animal practitioner I was drawn to this book as one that looked practical and easy to use. I found that the content of the text is not simplistic, but flows well and is very readable. The book is up to date, informative, and practical. The tables, photos, and diagrams are appropriate and helpful. In the time short time I have had this book, I have turned to it several times and found the information I was looking for in a timely manner. If there is a weakness in this book it may be that it is a little thin when it comes to diagrams of basic procedures. However, I feel that Dr. Gelatt has succeeded in putting together a broad-ranging, first-line reference text; I can envision this book becoming dog-eared from frequent reference, rather than collecting dust like some more academic texts.