Ocular colobomata present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in patients of all ages, but especially in young children. The "typical" coloboma, caused by defective closure of the fetal fissure, is located in the inferonasal quadrant, and it may affect any part of the globe traversed by the fissure from the iris to the optic nerve. Ocular colobomata are often associated with microphthalmia, and they may be idiopathic or associated with various syndromes. Types and severity of complications vary depending on the location and size of the colobomata. This article reviews the pathogeneses, categorization, genetic bases, differential diagnoses and management of ocular coloboma.

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To investigate the hypothesis that surgical confusions rarely occur but are unacceptable to the public; occur in predictable circumstances; involve a wrong lens implant more often than a wrong eye, procedure, or patient; and can be prevented using the Universal Protocol. Methods: A retrospective series of 106 cases, including 42 from the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company and 64 from the New York State Health Department. We investigated how the error occurred; when and by whom it was recognized; who was responsible; whether the patient was informed; what treatment was given; what the outcome and liability was; what policy changes or sanctions resulted; and whether the error was preventable using the Universal Protocol. Results: The most common confusion was wrong lens implants, accounting for 67 cases (63%). Wrong-eye operations occurred in 15 cases, wrong-eye block in 14, wrong patient or procedure in 8, and wrong corneal transplant in 2. Use of the Universal Protocol would have prevented the confusion in 90 cases (85%). Conclusions: Surgical confusions occur infrequently. Although they usually cause little or no permanent injury, consequences for the patient, the physician, and the profession may be serious. Measures to prevent such confusions deserve the acceptance, support, and active participation of ophthalmologists.

SUMMARY Acute acquired comitant esotropia has been used to describe a dramatic onset of a relatively large angle of esotropia with diplopia and minimal refractive error. We describe six children aged 5 to 11 years who developed an acute non-accommodative esotropia with diplopia. Neurological examination, including CT scan, in each of these children gave negative results. We suggest that this is an unusual presentation of esotropia of undetermined aetiology. The diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and management are discussed.Acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) is an unusual presentation of esotropia which occurs in older children and adults. It is characterised by acute onset of esotropia with diplopia. The refractive error is insignificant and neurological examination gives normal results. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the diagnosis and management of this' unusual condition in children. Patients and methods

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