Clinical Management of Binocular Vision: Heterophoric, Accommodative, and Eye Movement Disorders (3rd ed.)

Mitchell Scheiman and Bruce Wick. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008. $79.95. Clinical Management of Binocular Vision: Heterophoric, Accommodative, and Eye Movement Disorders, 3rd ed. is a comprehensive text that covers the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of common binocular vision conditions. The previous editions are a well-established reference and learning tool in binocular vision education and clinical practice. The 3rd edition includes valuable updates that examine contemporary issues in binocular vision, vision therapy, and related research. The text is organized into five parts. Part 1 discusses diagnosis and general treatment approaches;. Part 2 describes vision therapy techniques and instrumentation; Parts 3 and 4 address basic and advanced management of binocular vision and accommodative conditions; whereas Part 5 provides a practical discussion of vision therapy in optometric practice. Like previous editions, the intent of the book is to provide a comprehensive learning and reference tool for faculty and students, as well as an easy-to-use reference for new and established practitioners. The 3rd edition is enhanced by a number of updates. Most notably, three new chapters have been added to address contemporary issues in binocular vision. One chapter is directed specifically toward the eye care provider who does not wish incorporate in-office vision therapy or advanced management of binocular vision conditions into their practice. This single chapter does a particularly good job of outlining a practical approach to both diagnosis and management that is feasible in almost any practice setting. Another timely chapter discusses binocular conditions associated with refractive surgery. The new third chapter discusses the development and management of refractive error. The great benefit of this chapter is the presentation of a conceptual model of emmetropization and a sequential treatment approach that integrates concepts in binocular vision. This discussion is vital in light of the current momentum in research regarding the development and control of refractive error. The presentation and synthesis of this vast literature is excellent. Finally, the chapters on vision therapy procedures and instrumentation have been thoroughly revised to include the latest in vision therapy equipment and software. In general, it is evident that the authors have completed a thorough review of new research and literature and have integrated this information effectively throughout the text. This textbook includes many useful features that summarize the narrative and direct the reader’s attention toward “take-home points.” Flow diagrams and summary charts are used throughout and are helpful in summarizing the most important concepts. Illustrations and photographs of assessment and vision therapy tools are very effective in engaging the reader’s attention and creating a more tangible description of the tool’s use. Numerous case presentations are also successful in adding clinical relevance to the discussion. The narrative assessments at the end of each case are particularly valuable in solidifying important concepts and relaying the expertise of the authors in a logical and meaningful manner. Study questions are also provided for faculty and students, although answers are not provided. This text is certainly a valuable educational reference for assessment and management of binocular vision conditions, including vision therapy. However, it should be noted that it also provides a number of useful clinical tools that can be used directly in the clinical setting. These tools include copies and interpretation of the “Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey,” appendices that describe assessment and vision therapy procedures in a step-by-step manner and sample materials for use in patient communication. This text demonstrates excellent flow and continuity. It is easy to navigate, particularly after the reader takes time to familiarize him or herself with the layout. The chapters are cohesive and specific flags for related topics guide the reader through the book, allowing the reader to integrate disseminated content with greater ease. Further, the references are excellent throughout and direct the interested reader to appropriate supplementary resources. “Clinical Management of Binocular Vision” is an up-to-date comprehensive text that is presented in well organized, accessible, and practical manner. The authors are experts in the field and fulfill the intent of the book as a learning and reference tool with many applications. This text is highly recommended as a learning tool for students, a teaching tool for faculty, an easy-to-use clinical reference for primary eye care providers, and a guide for practitioners who wish to incorporate more advanced binocular vision care and vision therapy into their practice. Catherine Johnson New England College of Optometry Boston, MassachusettsFigure