Book review: Ocular Pathology by Myron Yanoff and Joseph Sassani, 9th edition

March 11, 2025 Reviewed by Dr Sarah Oh

Ocular Pathology is an essential resource for ophthalmologists and trainees. This updated 9th edition builds on the strengths of its predecessors with expanded content, updated diagnostic techniques and new high-quality images. It offers a well-balanced integration of foundational pathology and clinical relevance.

 

The book begins with the basic principles of pathology, including inflammation, immunobiology, genetics and diagnostic techniques. It then dedicates a comprehensive chapter to congenital anomalies, categorised into phakomatoses, chromosomal disorders, infectious conditions and drug embryopathies. Subsequent chapters are organised anatomically, covering pathologies of the conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, retina, optic nerve and more. Specialised chapters address trauma, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma and tumours, ensuring comprehensive coverage of ocular diseases.

 

The text is clearly laid out, with each chapter beginning with a review of normal anatomy and histopathology before transitioning into congenital and acquired pathologies. The inclusion of high-quality clinical photographs, histological slides and diagrams enhances understanding, while summary tables and figures provide quick comparisons and key takeaways. These features make the text equally suitable for both in-depth study and quick reference.

 

The availability of an eBook version further enhances its practicality. The linked online bookshelf offers easy navigation, annotations, bookmarks and a built-in flashcard function to aid learning. Users can create personalised study decks by directly incorporating text and images from the book, making it a valuable tool for trainees and clinicians.

 

For trainees preparing for pathology exams, this text is an excellent resource due to its thorough and structured approach. Clinicians will appreciate its quick-reference outline format that allows for efficient information retrieval. The side-by-side image comparisons and highlighted clinical-pearl boxes bridge the gap between histopathological findings and clinical practice.

 

The ninth edition of Ocular Pathology is a valuable addition to any ophthalmologist’s library.

 

 

Dr Sarah Oh is an ophthalmology trainee and doctoral candidate with the University of Auckland’s Department of Ophthalmology