Submit Paper

Submit your clinical and translational ophthalmology research to JOS and contribute to advancing vision care worldwide.

Before initiating your submission, please carefully review the following preparation steps to ensure your manuscript is ready for the editorial process:

• Scope Alignment: Confirm your research falls within JOS's scope of clinical and translational ophthalmology
• Author Guidelines: Review the Instructions for Authors for detailed formatting requirements
• Ethical Approval: Ensure ethical approval is documented for research involving human subjects, with IRB approval numbers included
• ARVO Statement: Confirm adherence to the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research if applicable
• Reporting Standards: Follow relevant reporting guidelines (CONSORT for trials, PRISMA for reviews, STROBE for observational studies)
• Image Preparation: Prepare high-resolution clinical images, OCT scans, and fundus photographs as separate files
• Video Files: For surgical technique papers, prepare high-quality video files with appropriate patient consent

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your submission package is complete:

JOS uses the ManuscriptZone online submission system. The system guides you through each step:

1. Create Account: Register on ManuscriptZone if you are a new user. Complete your profile with institutional affiliation and contact information.
2. Start New Submission: Select "Journal of Ophthalmic Science" and choose the appropriate article type.
3. Upload Manuscript: Submit your main manuscript file, figures, tables, and supplementary materials including clinical images and videos.
4. Enter Metadata: Provide title, abstract, keywords, and complete author information with ORCID identifiers.
5. Suggest Reviewers: Optionally suggest qualified reviewers with subspecialty expertise. Identify any reviewers to exclude.
6. Review and Submit: Verify all information is accurate and complete, then submit for editorial consideration.

Each submission should include a cover letter that effectively communicates the significance of your work:

• Brief description of the research problem and key findings
• Explanation of why this work advances ophthalmology or vision science
• Statement of clinical relevance and potential impact on patient care
• Confirmation that the manuscript is original and not under consideration elsewhere
• Declaration of any related publications or submissions
• Disclosure of conflicts of interest including relationships with ophthalmic device or pharmaceutical companies

All submissions undergo rigorous single-blind peer review by experts in clinical ophthalmology and vision science:

• Editorial Assessment: The handling editor evaluates scope relevance, methodological soundness, and potential clinical significance
• Reviewer Selection: Reviewers with relevant subspecialty expertise are invited to evaluate the manuscript
• Review Criteria: Reviewers assess scientific validity, methodology, clinical relevance, innovation, and presentation quality
• Decision Categories: Possible outcomes include Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject

When revision is requested, authors receive detailed reviewer comments. For minor revisions, authors typically have 14 days to respond. For major revisions, 30 days is allowed with extensions available. Authors should provide a point-by-point response document addressing each reviewer comment. Most manuscripts require at least one round of revision before acceptance.

JOS is an open access journal with article processing charges payable upon acceptance. No fees are required at submission. We offer discounts for members and waivers for authors from low-income countries. See our APC page for current rates.

After acceptance, manuscripts enter production for final formatting and typesetting. Authors receive proofs for review and must respond within 48 hours to avoid publication delays. Once final proofs are approved and APC payment is confirmed, articles are published online with DOI assignment typically within 2 weeks. Authors receive notification when their article is live.

Ophthalmic research often relies on clinical images. Submit all images as separate high-resolution files (minimum 300 DPI). Ensure patient identifiers are removed from clinical photographs. OCT scans should include acquisition parameters. For fundus photography, indicate the field of view and imaging modality. Color calibration is important for accurate representation of clinical findings.

If you have questions about the submission process, scope alignment, or need assistance with technical issues, please contact our editorial office at [email protected]. Our support team responds to inquiries within 1-2 business days. We are committed to supporting authors throughout the publication journey and welcome your ophthalmic research submissions.

All JOS articles are published under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, ensuring free and immediate access for ophthalmologists, optometrists, vision researchers, and healthcare professionals worldwide. Open access publication removes barriers to knowledge dissemination and accelerates the translation of ophthalmic research into clinical practice. Your research becomes immediately discoverable through search engines, indexing services, and academic databases.

Authors whose first language is not English are encouraged to have their manuscripts reviewed by a fluent English speaker or professional editing service before submission. While we do not reject manuscripts solely based on language issues, clear communication is essential for effective peer review and reader comprehension. The editorial office can provide recommendations for language editing services upon request to help ensure your ophthalmic research is communicated effectively.

For surgical technique papers, high-quality video is often essential. Videos should be in MP4 format with resolution of at least 720p. Include narration or text overlays explaining key surgical steps. Ensure patient consent covers video publication. Videos should be edited for clarity without unnecessary length. Including timestamp annotations helps readers navigate to specific techniques of interest.