In the last three decades, advances in imaging, pathology, genetics, immunology and endocrinology, clinical evaluations have led to a consolidation of knowledge concerning diseases of the orbit. Coupled with surgical innovations, these advances have led to a better understanding of the management of disease affecting the orbit. There is, however, a need to bring together and simplify this knowledge in order to provide practical and obtainable care in the developing order. Subbu has gathered a group of distinguished and well-known orbital specialists as well as colleagues from India with vast, practical experience to accomplish this goal. His hope is to target readers who are graduate students, residents of ophthalmology, fellows in oculoplastic and orbital services, and general ophthalmologists who encounter an oculoplastic problem. This is an important and unique endeavour grounded in Subrahmanyam's long-time practice in public service in Hyderabad, where he has encountered the full range of orbital problems and challenges. He has brought to bear his skills, nurtured first in India and then through a range of travel and fellowships at some of the best orbital centers in the world. It is from these centers and from his wide collegial network that he has been able to produce this practical compendium of orbital knowledge. I believe his contribution will not only further the orbital and oculoplastic services in India, Asia and Africa, but also it will bring an awareness of the vast experience in those areas to the rest of the world. The book is meant to provide precise and succinct information on orbital disease, its evaluation and management. The emphasis is of course on common disorders but also presents information on uncommon conditions backed up by case illustrations.

As a mentor, colleague and author, I feel privileged to be a part of this enterprise.

The specialty of orbital diseases is very well advanced in North America and Europe, but not so in most other countries. Availability of ophthalmic literatures authored by orbital surgeons from the developing countries are very few. The idea of bringing this color atlas is to share two decades of my experience in orbital diseases. Though it is an atlas in principle, enough information is provided to understand the conditions and plan treatment strategies. It covers most of the common and some of the rare causes of proptosis. With color illustrations, and case presentations, I tried to make this book interesting to read and also to provide practical knowledge in clinical situations.

I thank all my contributing authors, who are internationally reputed, for their co-operation. The chapters they contributed were those in which they have a wealth of experience, viz. Jack Rootman on mesenchymal tumors, Peter J Dolman on thyroid associated orbitopathy (We rarely see such severe TAO in India), Mark J Lucarelli on anatomy and fractures of orbit.

I hope my efforts help shatter the myth that “proptosis is a Pandora's box”. If this book inspires at least some ophthalmologists to pursue this specialty with more interest and vigor and blossom into efficient orbital surgeons, the purpose of this book is served. I truly believe that “What I do, you can also do” and who knows you may do even better.

My teacher Dr. Kotagiri Vengala Rao was the first to introduce me to orbital surgery during my post-graduation. I still relish those memories. I thank Dr. Jeffrey Nerad for introducing me to Dr. Jack Rootman. I acknowledge the role of Dr. Jack Rootman, Peter J Dolman in fine tuning my skills—both clinical and surgical. They are not only great teachers, but also wonderful human beings. My fellowship with them was made possible due to the financial assistance I received from them. I also thank the Orbis Inc. for awarding me the Ziegler's International Fellowship, which has part financed my fellowship at University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Similarly I thank the Association of Asian Indians in Ophthalmology for awarding the competitive fellowship, which financed my training with Mark J Lucarelli, Brad Lemke and Richard K Dortzbach at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was a great learning experience.

I thank all my contributing authors (and their supporting staff), who are all very eminent and highly reputed, for sparing their time to make this book wonderful. I thank my fellow Dr. Mohd Javed Ali, for all his assistance in proofreading. He is ever ready to help.

I wish to acknowledge the support and encouragement I received from Shri Jitendar P Vij, Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Tarun Duneja, Director (Publishing) and Mr PS Ghuman, Sr Production Manager of M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd. I also thank Mr Upinder, Mr Pankaj, Mr Ram Murti and Mrs Seema Dogra of the same family (Jaypee) for their technical support.