Abstract
As anyone familiar with the fields of veterinary ophthalmology and veterinary ophthalmic pathology can attest, there is a need for textbooks integrating these two disciplines that are fairly comprehensive, yet concise enough to be read and mastered in a relatively short time. In particular, there is a desperate need for reference books with high-quality illustrations for those of us involved in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular neoplasia. In this book, Ocular Tumors of Animals and Humans, Drs. Peiffer and Simons attempt to meet that need, and I believe they have succeeded.
In my opinion, this book serves as a guide both to the pathologist interested in ocular histopathology and to the ophthalmologist submitting ocular specimens. This book not only provides excellent illustrations for the pathologist but also offers clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic information. Also invaluable is the information pertaining to the differences between human and animal counterparts. The book has 14 chapters written by acknowledged experts in the appropriate fields. Of these, eight are devoted to neoplasia of specific ocular structures, three to unique ocular neoplastic conditions, two to the basic science of metastasis and ocular immune responses to neoplasia, and one to experimental ocular oncology. All chapters are fairly well organized, concise, clear, and well referenced. Overall, the quality of the images is excellent. Surprisingly, a small number of photomicrographs appear to be of a less distinct quality.
In the final analysis, Ocular Tumors in Humans and Animals is a comprehensive reference of ocular neoplasia in humans and animals, yet will appeal to those involved in vision science and carcinogenesis research. I recommend it for ophthalmology residents as a study guide for board examination preparation. I also endorse it as a succinct review and teaching resource for ophthalmic and general pathologists and ophthalmologists with a particular interest in ophthalmic pathology.