Saving Sight: An Eye Surgeon's Look at Life Behind the Mask and the Heroes Who Changed the Way We See

I haven't read any books in the past like this one: a medical history. But as I read it, I was touched by several things:1. Andrew Lam is an excellent historian and writer. Accurate with dates and names. A sense of history of when each inventor did his work or made his discovery. Well developed dialogues and strong characters weaved into a smooth and highly relatable story.2. One is usually not aware of the people behind medical inventions and discoveries, but such a look is fascinating and gives one a behind-the-scenes look at the very human people who dedicated their life to helping people.3. He takes complex medical concepts and surgical procedures and makes them quite understandable to the layperson.4. Andrew also shows us the human emotions of his patients as well as his own emotions as a doctor.5. Increased my appreciation of how wonderful developments of the 20th century in ophthalmology has significantly improved the lives of millions of people around the world.On a related note since I am a preacher: as a result of reading his book, I plan to use an illustration from his book for an upcoming sermon from this passage in Matthew 7:3-5?NIV Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."When I read of Andrew carefully removing an object from or delicately doing surgery on his patients' eyes, I can't help but see his work as a very appropriate illustration for this passage of making sure our own eyes are clear when "operating" on someone else's eyes.

Dr. Lam’s book is a fascinating medical history intertwined with enthralling tales plucked from the author’s own medical practice. In the historical narrative, we are treated to the remarkable stories of the brave men who changed the history of ophthalmology by persisting against all odds with an idea that would change the world. These men endured scorn and ridicule by their friends and colleagues. But their perseverance eventually resulted in the advances that have benefited those of us with eye problems and the physicians who treat us today.Putting the historical figures in modern context, Dr. Lam also gives us a thrilling glimpse into his own practice where the advancements made possible by these heroes are used. Who knew that a medical book could be a page turner? One haunting tale recounts a young Asian girl who comes with her father to see Dr. Lam. The author finds a severely detached retina which he strongly suspects has been caused by trauma. However, no one will own up and Dr. Lam does his best to fix the problem. Later, when the girl returns with the remaining eye injured, the surprising source of the injury is revealed.Dr. Lam also briefly shares with us the challenges of the practice of medicine in today’s world of HMOs, Medicare etc. Despite these challenges, the author conveys the passion he feels for the practice of medicine and helping others. Dr. Lam is a great story teller and this book would be enjoyed by anyone, especially those with a connection to the field of ophthalmology.

Comments made by many reviewers such as engaging interesting story,compelling an inspirational all apply to my review.As an active practicing retina specialist , I found Dr Lam writing ,absorbing ,easy to read like a novel; for me it was the admiration of a skilled writer able to transfer in a book the emotion ,concerns and sensitivity of a surgeon to patient and family in difficult moments, so often experienced myself during my lengthy career.Dr Charles Schepens ,one of the leaders feature in the Book during an an oral interview conducted in 1985 , UMKC Eye Dept in Kansas City, Mo and following a question. What is the purpose of your Life?Reply " I am most satisfied that this type of work is not dying with me, thanks to the training program and the people who continue the tradition. I it is wonderful to be proud of people who are younger than you and will survive you and know you had something to do with the fact that they are so successful and the the knowledge has been passed on"Dr Schepens, and immigrant,in Boston against tremendous odds created the new field of retina .and fellowships. Dr Tassman a mentor to Dr Lamb and a leader in our field and I, trained with him in1960. So, Dr Lamb represent the best of 3rd generation of Retina surgeons.Dr Lam writing in a colloquial manner easily readable attracted the general public ; adding tangential comments about the state of Medicine is a service to Society in our search for quality care .Knowledge is Power , is important as we search for good medical care for our families,and patients that we participate in the current important issues of healthcare in our country." If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulder of Giants" Isaac Newton (1676)Thank you Andrew for reminding us!

Excellent book. I purchased it prior to my Cataract operations. I gifted a copy to my Ophthalmologist who did not have one. Great for families of senior citizens contemplating eye surgery. I suggested my Ophthalmologists staff would benefit from reading it.Very interesting!! Very well written.

Good

This is a well-written book with chapters detailing how patients are treated with effective ophthalmic techniques. Much of the book is written like a heart-warming story combined with the history of how the eye surgery techniques were developed by the ophthalmologists involved. An inspiring work and a wonderful read.

i am an ophthalmologic trainee when i finished reading this book i really felt that my passion to study ophthalmology has doubled. i really thank dr andrew lam and highly recommend this book for any ophthalmologist and any body interested in reading through history of eye science evolution.