The Ophthalmology Minute is a series of informal discussions dealing with a wide variety of eye health issues. They will be divided according to the subspecialties in ophthalmology; strabismus, pediatric ophthalmology, retina, cornea and external disease, etc. These mini-lectures are specially prepared for this web page and for delivery via the internet. There will be variations in the format, but each lecture will be designed to address a specific topic, and provide useful information for the ophthalmologist or allied eye health care worker. In addition, links to other valuable sources of information are provided. Cataract Minute: The Cataract Minute is a communication by and for cataract surgeons and general ophthalmologists. The material covered will vary from basic topics to more esoteric cutting-edge approaches to cataract surgery. Some of the material and/or ideas expressed may vary from your clinical approach or opinion. In fact, the Cataract Minute should not be used in place of textbooks or journal articles; it is merely a supplement to be read at a glance by the busy practitioner. Examination Protocol Minute: the Examination Protocol Minute describes the role of history, observation, and special tests, both clinical and laboratory that are key to making a proper diagnosis leading to effective treatment. Glaucoma Minute: Our understanding of the glaucomas has undergone major changes in the past number of decades since they were first divided into "acute or congestive" and "simple". These terms proved to be inadequate and inaccurate and they were changed to angle closure and open angle. In addition, there are many subtypes of these two groups of diseases, all of which are being constantly updated and revised as to what we believe them to be. It is the intention of the first article of Volume I to clarify, for the reader, an overview of the current understanding of the glaucomas. We hope to add more detailed information in later articles. Neuro-Ophthalmology Minute: The Neuro-Ophthalmology Minute first appeared in July 2003. The initial contributor is Thomas Walsh, M.D. The aim of this series of lectures is to provide the ophthalmologist and allied healthcare provider a simple, straightforward means of obtaining useful and up-to-date information. These lectures are presented in no particular order; instead, they are intended to be topical. These minutes are intended to be simple but authoritative and current. Oculo-Plastic Minute: The Oculo-Plastic Minute is a communication generated by oculo-plastic surgeons primarily for general ophthalmologists. The material covered will vary from basic topics to the more esoteric. Some of the material and/or ideas expressed may vary from your clinical approach or opinion. The Oculo-Plastic Minute should be used along with textbooks or journal articles, as a supplement to be read for the busy practitioner. Ophthalmology Nursing Minute: It is great that physicians across the globe are able to increase their knowledge base or have support for their surgical plan as they read the "Ophthalmology Minute". But what of the nurses and other ophthalmic healthcare providers? The Ophthalmology Nursing Minute is an opportunity for not only nurses but anyone working in an ophthalmic setting to learn and be enabled to reach a higher level of practice. Each Ophthalmology Nursing Minute is written and edited by a nurse expert. We are aware that there are many differences between each ophthalmic setting not only in the United States but in other parts of the world as well. We encourage you to use what you learn from the Ophthalmology Nursing Minute in the best way possible for your setting. Pediatric Low Vision Minute: The recommendations in this section include several interventions that are not available in many parts of the world. This does not mean that we should lower standards to comply with what is available in a specific locale. Instead, we should strive to improve the lot of the visually impaired, not accepting conditions as they are. We should also recognize that caring, compassion, and acceptance are resources available in the most impoverished environment. Sometimes, this is the best we can do for these children anyway. ROP Minute: The ROP Minute first appeared in December 2004. The aim of this series of lectures is to provide the ophthalmologist and allied healthcare provider a simple, straightforward means of obtaining useful and up-to-date information. Strabismus Minute: The Strabismus Minute first appeared in Feb. 1999 and there are now 48 lectures. The aim of this series is to provide the ophthalmologist and allied eye health care provider a simple, straightforward means of obtaining useful and up-to-date information. They are presented in no particular order; instead, they are intended to be topical. When compared to a textbook, these minutes though simpler and less authoritative, are more likely to be current. When compared to a journal article, these minutes are intended to be more practical and focused. They could be compared to the message of a visiting lecturer in that they deal with a current topic, are the product of a single source, and are subject to local editorial responsibility.