ORBIT-NET - PLATFORM FOR ORBITOLOGY IN TH E INTERNET

Introduction: A basic service in the public network ''Internet'' is el ectronic mail (e-mail). E-mail makes the participation in discussion g roups possible by mailing contributions to the discussion to all membe rs electronically, To complement the existing list of ophthalmologic d iscussion groups ORBIT-NET was introduced. It offers experts in resear ch, clinic, diagnostic and therapy of orbital diseases the opportunity to make queries or present interesting casuistries and to ask for com ments, differential diagnosis or advice on therapy. Other participants can be made aware of new scientific results, actual publications or m eetings. Material and methods: For participation a computer, a modem, an Internet-Provider and special software are required. Registration i s made either by e-mail or regular mail,A verification is necessary to limit the list of participants to experts. Results: Since the introdu ction of ORBIT-NET on November 9th, 1996, there have been no technical problems. ORBIT-NET has been effective as a platform. Conclusions: Th e international, interdisciplinary platform ORBIT-NET is an addition t o the existing ophthalmologic discussion groups. ORBIT-NET offers orbi tologists an international discussion of results and diagnosis, suppor ts further training and can give encouragement to further research.