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When Biomedical Foundations first came out in September of 1982, its objective was “to provide practitioners with an up-to-date, organized, systematic approach to the visual system.” We feel that those goals have been met in the past, and it is our intent to maintain them in the future. The title, however, has been changed to Foundations in Clinical Ophthalmology, which implies the increasingly close relationship between basic science and clinical ophthalmology. This publication, then, will explore the links between the new science information and the application of that new information in the delivery of eye care of the highest quality.

Since 1982 there have been startling advances in medicine in general and in ophthalmology in particular. One has only to recall that in 1982 AIDS was just becoming recognized as a health care problem, and magnetic resonance imaging was not the common diagnostic tool then that it is today.

The goal of Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology is to keep our readers up-to-date on these new developments. For example, this year’s New Page Service includes an excellent section on magnetic resonance imaging.

In 1982 Tom Duane pointed out that the purpose of this publication is not merely to enable the reader to pass boards. Nevertheless, we recognize that this is in the back of everyone’s mind. As of 1992, time-limited certification will be with us, and various states are beginning to indicate that they will call for recertification in order to maintain licensure. This is a secondary reason for us to keep abreast of state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

We continue to be proud of our outstanding section editors and contributors. Their willingness to give of their time and to contribute their talent and knowledge is a reflection of the dedication that so many ophthalmologists have, not only to their patients, but to the education of their colleagues.

Finally, Dr. Duane in his 1982 Preface noted that Edward A. Jaeger had been appointed co-chief editor. In the years since then, Dr. Jaeger has applied himself to the job of co-editor not only of Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology but of Clinical Ophthalmology with unusual dedication, meticulous attention to detail and a comprehensive grasp of the functions and scope of both series. Without him, I can truly say that neither publication would be where they are today.

I am grateful, as well, to the J. B. Lippincott Company for their continued support. I am particularly indebted to Mr. J. Stuart Freeman, Jr., Publisher, Medical Loose-Leaf Editor, who has provided wise counsel and who has been sensitive to our needs.

Finally, and most important, we are grateful to our readers. Foundations exists to serve the needs of residents, fellows, and practicing ophthalmologists. We have striven to make the publication as comprehensive as possible, but we also recognize that there are many areas we have overlooked. We would be most appreciative of any suggestions for future revisions.

William Tasman, MD