This condensed American text succeeds in covering a very broad spectrum of contact lens care and related subjects. It ranges from the starting point for a novice to the most complex of lens types, fitting strategies, complications, and possible solutions. It contains such a wealth of information that it is difficult to justify naming part 1 “Basic concepts” where anterior segment disease, with respect to contact lenses, is covered so extensively.

The six chapters on rigid lenses and four on soft lenses traverse most aspects one would expect to encounter within routine practice. However, the contribution of gas permeable scleral lenses has not been acknowledged and no mention of this design appears. At times this text is almost too comprehensible although the “pearls” punctuating such passages lighten the weight of information.

Of the special topics covered, the chapter on dry eyes is particularly well written and the chapter covering fitting strategies for eyes following refractive surgery although brief is welcomed.

This manual is designed principally for the clinician working extensively in routine contact lens practice. It is highly informative. It is presented in a logical layout and should provide the answer to most contact lens problems within the realms of general practice. For the more specialised areas this is a good starting point. It is not the definitive work nor is it so intended. The text is meant to be a chairside practical book and it achieves this aim. A welcome addition to the texts available in this field.