About the Journal

Advancing clinical and translational ophthalmology through rigorous open access publishing.

The Journal of Ophthalmic Science exists to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and patient care. We publish clinical and translational research that directly impacts how ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and manage ocular conditions. Our mandate encompasses the full spectrum of clinical ophthalmology-from anterior segment disease to vitreoretinal pathology, from glaucoma management to neuro-ophthalmology.

JOS is committed to a clinical and translational ophthalmology mandate. We prioritize research with direct implications for patient care:

JOS supports clinicians, researchers, and industry partners who are advancing vision science and eye care. We value studies that connect bench research with clinical decision making and measurable patient outcomes.

• Ophthalmologists and optometrists advancing diagnostic and surgical practice
• Vision scientists developing new therapeutics and delivery methods
• Clinical trial teams evaluating safety and efficacy of novel treatments
• Public health researchers improving access to vision care
• Industry partners translating devices and imaging tools to clinical use

Our editorial board spans all ophthalmic subspecialties, including retina, glaucoma, cornea, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, and ocular oncology. Reviewers provide constructive feedback that improves clarity, methodological rigor, and clinical relevance.

JOS adheres to COPE and ICMJE guidance to maintain ethical publishing and reproducible science. We encourage transparent data reporting, clear imaging standards, and clinical trial registration where applicable.

• Single-blind peer review with conflict-of-interest management
• Data and image integrity policies to protect research quality
• Patient privacy protections for clinical photography
• Disclosure of AI-assisted image analysis or writing tools

We prioritize research that changes how clinicians diagnose and treat eye disease. Manuscripts that demonstrate improved visual outcomes, safer procedures, or more efficient screening programs are especially welcome.

Authors can contribute through original research, systematic reviews, case reports, and surgical technique updates. We also welcome proposals for special issues on emerging topics such as gene therapy, AI-assisted screening, and ocular imaging innovation.

From initial submission through final publication, JOS provides structured guidance to help authors present rigorous clinical evidence. Our editorial workflow emphasizes transparent communication, clear revision guidance, and timely decision making.

• Scope-fit feedback during editorial screening
• Reviewer selection aligned with subspecialty expertise
• Detailed revision guidance that improves clinical clarity
• Professional copyediting and production quality checks
• Publication scheduling and post-acceptance coordination

Ophthalmic research depends on accurate imaging and reliable outcomes. JOS expects careful data stewardship, particularly when clinical images and patient-level data are central to the study.

• Transparent reporting of imaging protocols and grading methods
• Clear patient consent documentation for clinical photography
• Disclosure of image processing or AI-based enhancement
• Data governance statements for sensitive clinical datasets
• Ethical oversight and privacy protections

We encourage proposals for curated collections that address urgent clinical challenges and emerging technologies in ophthalmology. Special issues bring together multidisciplinary perspectives and accelerate translation.

• Gene and cell therapy for inherited retinal disease
• AI-assisted screening and workflow integration
• Myopia control strategies and pediatric outcomes
• Ocular imaging innovation and biomarker development
• Global eye health, equity, and access to care

Innovation and technology in ophthalmology are welcome as a supporting lane-when they demonstrate clear clinical relevance or translational potential. Pure materials science or basic research without a patient-care dimension is outside our scope.

Open access ensures immediate readership and practical impact. JOS supports long-term discoverability through DOI registration, metadata distribution, and archiving practices that keep your work accessible.

• CrossRef DOI assignment for permanent citation
• Indexing submissions to major ophthalmology and medical databases
• Long-term digital archiving and stable hosting
• Global reach to clinicians, educators, and policymakers

We also encourage collaboration across ophthalmology, optometry, biomedical engineering, and public health. Studies that integrate clinical practice with emerging technology or community eye health programs are strongly aligned with our mission.

Cross-disciplinary research is welcome when it remains grounded in clinical ophthalmology and demonstrates clear pathways to improved patient outcomes.

We value studies that scale evidence into real-world clinical practice.

Clinical relevance remains central to every submission.

JOS combines rigorous clinical peer review with an open access model that expands readership and impact. Our editorial team supports clear reporting, data transparency, and high-quality clinical imaging.

• Rapid, Rigorous Review: Single-blind peer review by subspecialty ophthalmology experts within 2-4 weeks
• Permanent Citation: Every article receives a CrossRef DOI for lifetime citability
• Global Visibility: Indexed and discoverable across major academic databases
• Clinical Focus: Reach readers who translate research into patient care
• Author Support: Dedicated editorial assistance throughout the publication process
• Reproducibility Ready: Clear expectations for data and imaging transparency

Our audience includes clinicians, researchers, and decision makers seeking evidence that can be translated into better visual outcomes. By publishing with JOS, authors reach readers who influence guidelines, surgical standards, and public health strategies for preventing blindness and visual impairment.

Through open access distribution and DOI registration, your work becomes immediately citable and accessible to global readers, including clinicians and policy leaders shaping vision care.