At an early stage the authors found that the schematic students' ophthalmic
texts were of limited value in the real world, but Henry Stallard in his books
always 'seemed to have been there before' and his practical advice gave great
relief and encouragement to the reader faced with the needs of his patients,
especially if isolated. Accordingly, the authors in turn have attempted what he
achieved and this has been the spirit in which they have written this book,
sensible always of the debt they owe their teachers and colleagues.
