Shah_edit_Foreward_colour_samples 03/09/2009 12:05 Page 6
Foreword
Sunil Shah is a Visiting Professor at Aston University, where he was a founding member of the Ophthalmic Research Group, and an
Honorary Professor at the University of Ulster, where he runs a Masters programme in cataract and refractive surgery. As a clinician, he
works at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre and the Heart of England Foundation Trust, and he is also Medical Director of the
Midland Eye Institute. Professor Shah receives referrals for complex corneal and refractive work and is a strong proponent of all forms
of lamellar corneal surgery. He is a member of a number of international societies, including the American Society of Cataract and
Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology
(AAO) and the British Society for Refractive Surgery (BSRS). He is Past President of the BSRS and a council member of the British
Contact Lens Association (BCLA). Professor Shah trained in medicine in London and in ophthalmology in Manchester and Nottingham.
T
he aim of European Ophthalmic Review is to allow ophthalmologists to stay abreast of key advances and opinion in ophthalmic
practice in Europe. Previous editions have discussed clinical matters such as the importance of biometry in intraocular surgery,
the implications of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Endophthalmitis Study and the risk factors for developing
glaucoma. Topics such as this are at the core of European ophthalmology. However, as the developed world cannot forget developing
countries, European Ophthalmic Review has also discussed issues such as the International Eye Foundation’s Social Enterprise Model.
This edition of European Ophthalmic Review looks at the provision of eye care to one of the more desolate and unreachable parts
of the world – the Himalayas. In addition, the ‘International Health’ section looks at ethnic differences in diseases such as
Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
From providing the most basic of care in the most difficult of situations, we jump to nanotechnology and the use of this fascinating
technology, which has yet to really factor in ophthalmic treatments, for gene delivery to the eye. Nanotechnology is likely to be used
extensively with time and we need to be aware of its capabilities.
One of my areas of interest is pseudoaccomodation following cataract surgery – perhaps the holy grail of refractive cataract surgeons.
Previous editions of European Ophthalmic Review have looked at the AkkoLens accommodating implant, and this edition addresses
the WIOL-CF accommodating lens. There are good data on single optic accommodating lenses such as the Lenstec Tetraflex, the
Bausch & Lomb Crystalens and the HumanOptics 1CU and dual optic lenses such as the Visuogen Synchrony lens, which enables us
to establish how well these new lenses really perform. It is important that these lenses are critically assessed for effectiveness so
that we know how to advise our patients correctly.
Also discussed is the role of some relatively recently available drugs. The use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for
adjunctive treatment of rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma is discussed. In addition, the role of a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
blocker for paediatric uveitis is examined. These new types of drug, while very effective in certain conditions, have major cost
implications within ophthalmology, and considerable extra funding will be needed to provide these drugs for our patients.
This edition also contains some practical advice from Kuhn and Pelayes on the management of globe rupture, a subject that is often
learned without much didactic teaching and where experience of many cases may be limited. Thus, this is a very helpful resource.
Other surgical articles in this edition include discussions on whether there is any evidence for intervention in childhood epiphora and
the best management of proximal nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The article by Gombos looks at improving the experience of our
cataract surgery patients, while Ziahosseini discusses anticoagulation in vitreoretinal surgery. These are excellent practical updates
for busy ophthalmologists.
This issue of European Ophthalmic Review once again provides a diverse set of articles from leaders in their field, providing
everything from practical discussions to visions of the future. The editors hope you enjoy them. n
6 © TOUCH BRIEFINGS 2009