<p> "Essentials in Ophthalmology" is a new review series covering all of ophthalmology categorized in eight subspecialties. It will be published quarterly, thus each subspecialty will be reviewed biannually.<br>Given the multiplicity of medical publications already available, why is a new series needed? Consider that the half-life of medical knowledge is estimated to be around 5 years. Moreover, it can be as long as 8 years between the first description of a medical innovation in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and publication in a medical textbook. A series that narrows this time span between journal and textbook would provide a more rapid and efficient transfer of medical knowledge into clinical practice, and enhance care of our patients.<br></p>