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.