Adler's Physiology of the Eye is now in its 12th edition and, as someone who studied ophthalmology using a much earlier edition, it is easy to appreciate how this has evolved into a veritable masterwork. Although now a substantial 819 pages, it is fortunately still a manageable and portable single volume.

The book is edited by doyens of the field, Levin, Kaufman and Hartnett, and they have managed to muster a who's who of contributors, each a leading authority in their subject area. The text has been well updated from recent editions, including improved diagrams, more use of colour and more practical clinical illustrations.

The text follows a logical stepwise progression over 41 chapters incorporated into 11 key sections that cover: focusing of an image in the retina; physiology of the optical media; direction of gaze; nutrition of the eye; protection of the eye; photo reception; visual processing in the retina; non-perceptive vision; visual processing in the brain; visual perception; and development and deprivation of vision.

This is not a book that one reads in one sitting, but it is an excellent reference and an outstanding platform for the study of ophthalmology and eyecare to be built upon. It is also relatively easy to dip into, with reasonably sized chapters that are generally easy to read and with references that are typically up-to-date. As is common these days, there is an accompanying eBook version. However, the printed work is a handsome volume, glossy, hardbound and printed on high-quality paper and is a pleasure to have on one’s desk. During review I dipped into it several times, reading in detail areas with which I had greater familiarity, but I also delved into those areas I had forgotten with time – finding these relatively easy to re-assimilate due to the high quality and conciseness of the writing.

Having personally used Adler’s Physiology of the Eye as a study stepping stone in my early career, and having considered a number of subsequent editions, I can honestly say I'd recommend this current edition to anyone embarking on a career in ophthalmology, optometry or visual science. It really is a treasure chest combining hard science, engaging writing and practical tips that provide a comprehensive single source for those wishing to understand the physiology of the eye.

Professor Charles McGhee heads the department of ophthalmology, and is director of the New Zealand National Eye Centre, at the University of Auckland. His interests include keratoconus, corneal diseases and corneal transplantation, complex cataract and anterior segment trauma, and complex anterior segment pathology, including iris and conjunctival melanoma and other rare anterior segment tumours, for which he receives nationwide referrals.