JASON S. SLAKTER, MD Globalization describes a process in which
regional economies, cultures and societies become integrated
through an expanding network of communication and trade. In a
sense, medicine has led the way in globalization through the
interaction of physicians and scientists sharing concepts and
technology through both peer-reviewed journals and international
conferences. In this month's issue of Retinal Physician, we make
our own small contribution to the globalization process with the
introduction of a new column entitled “Eyes of the World,”
covering issues in retina around the globe. While certain
features of medicine are fundamental and transnational in
nature, such as basic biological processes, it's been long
recognized that the incidence and expression of some diseases
may vary among different ethnic groups. Some of these
differences have genetic bases, while others may be related to
environmental or even societal cultural practices. This month's
column clearly highlights the nature of th