In this post, researchers will find the most relevant information they need to publish in the journal American Journal of Ophthalmology.
Aims and scope | American Journal of Ophthalmology seeks to serve ophthalmologists and other specialists in the field of visual science by publishing the results of clinical investigations and clinical observations. Laboratory investigations are also published so long as they are clinically relevant. |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Frequency of publication | Monthly |
Editorial information | Currently, the editor-in-chief is Dr Thomas J Liesegang, the Louis and Evelyn Krueger Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. He has practised at the Mayo Clinic for nearly three decades, including an initial stint in Rochester, Minnesota, and has published extensively in the areas of corneal and external eye diseases. The journal has five associate editors, eighteen executive editors, and a 30-strong editorial board. More information here: www.ajo.com/content/ed_board |
CRITERIA FOR PUBLICATION
American Journal of Ophthalmology considers original contributions that have not been published earlier in any format and pose no ethical problems with their contents or data. The journal offers the categories listed below. Please note that brief reports and case reports are no longer accepted.
• Full-length papers: Usually 7–8 single-spaced manuscript pages (not counting references, figure captions, and tables)
• Perspectives: Opinions on a current technique, procedure, therapy, or clinical approach, tempered by the experience of the author/s and limited to no more than 9 single-spaced manuscript pages, 35 references, and 8 figures or equivalent tables
• Editorials: Only by invitation
• Correspondence: The contributions may point out errors in the contributions published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, support their contents, or offer alternative viewpoints and additional information. Correspondence items – limited to 500 words and 5 references (plus one reference to the article in question) – must be submitted within 8 weeks of publication of the original contribution.
• Book reviews (including reviews of relevant software): Only by invitation
• Obituaries: The contributions are intended as a tribute to internationally renowned individuals who have contributed substantially to the field of ophthalmology.
EDITORIAL POLICIES AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
All manuscripts must be submitted at http://ees.elsevier.com/ajo.
Along with two other journals, namely Archives of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology, the American Journal of Ophthalmology makes special efforts to enhance the quality of ophthalmology-related writing and reviewing. It has made available a number of relevant articles at <www.ajo.com/content/editorship> that can be downloaded for free. The titles of a few of such articles are given below:
• Just because it’s published doesn’t mean it’s perfect: The continuing evolution of the peer review process (2015)
• Footnotes, acknowledgments, and authorship: Toward greater responsibility, accountability, and transparency (2014)
• Choosing our words carefully: Plagiarism in the Internet age (2014)
MANUSCRIPT REVIEW PROCESS
The Editor-in-Chief conducts a preliminary review and, if the manuscript appears suitable, assigns it to an executive editor with the requisite expertise. The chosen executive editor selects several outside reviewers and ensures that at least two reviews are completed. Only about 20% of the submitted full-length papers are eventually accepted.
GOOD PUBLISHING PRACTICES
‘Only finely polished, publication ready manuscripts should be submitted to the AJO or risk possible rejection prior to peer review.’ Roughly half the number of submitted contributions are turned down because the contents are not sufficiently novel, the research was poorly designed, or the writing is of poor quality. The journal recommends the AMA Manual of Style (10th edn). The journal also specifically suggests 12-point Arial for text ‘as this font causes the fewest problems during conversion to PDF ’.
The journal not only recommends rigorous attention to statistical techniques wherever required but has made available on its website several relevant guidelines including the use of Bayesian methods, dealing with missing data, and comparing risks. The guidelines are available for download in PDF at <www.ajo.com/content/statistics>.
INDEXING & METRICS
The impact factor for 2014 is 3.871. The journal is being published since 1884.
USEFUL LINKS
Journal homepage: http://www.ajo.com
For submissions: http://ees.elsevier.com/ajo
Instructions to authors: http://www.ajo.com/content/authorinfo
Guidance on statistical tests and analysis: www.ajo.com/content/statistics
Articles on current topics in medical journalism: www.ajo.com/content/editorship
Editorial board: www.ajo.com/content/ed_board