Instructions for Authors
Comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting your ophthalmic research to JOS.
Your Roadmap to Publication
This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare a high-quality submission for the Journal of Ophthalmic Science. Following these instructions will expedite the review process and maximize your chance of acceptance.
JOS publishes the following manuscript categories:
| Category | Word Limit | Abstract | Figures/Tables | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Research | 3,000-6,000 | 300 words (structured) | Up to 10 | Up to 50 |
| Review Article | 4,000-8,000 | 300 words (structured) | Up to 12 | Up to 100 |
| Case Report | 1,500-2,500 | 150 words (unstructured) | Up to 6 | Up to 20 |
| Surgical Technique | 2,000-3,500 | 200 words (unstructured) | Up to 8 | Up to 25 |
| Brief Communication | 1,000-1,500 | 100 words | Up to 3 | Up to 15 |
Original research articles should follow this structured format:
- Title Page: Title, authors, affiliations, corresponding author contact, word count, keywords
- Abstract: Structured with Purpose, Methods, Results, and Conclusions sections
- Introduction: Background, clinical rationale, and objectives of the study
- Materials and Methods: Study design, patient population, surgical technique, outcome measures
- Results: Findings presented with supporting data and clinical outcomes
- Discussion: Interpretation, comparison with literature, clinical implications
- Conclusions: Key findings and impact on ophthalmic practice
- References: Vancouver style formatting
Text Formatting
- Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) format
- Double-spaced, 12-point font
- Continuous line numbering
- Standard margins (1 inch all sides)
- No embedded figures in text
Figure Requirements
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution
- TIFF, JPEG, or PNG formats
- Clear labeling on clinical images
- Arrows/markers for pathology
- Patient consent for identifiable images
JOS requires high-quality ophthalmic images:
Fundus Photography
Submit high-resolution fundus photographs with clear visualization of pathology. Include composite images for peripheral retinal findings. Color calibration should be consistent across image series.
OCT Scans
Include both B-scans and en face images where relevant. Provide measurement scales and annotate relevant layers. For longitudinal studies, maintain consistent scan protocols.
Patient Privacy
All clinical photographs must have patient consent. For images showing recognizable features (periocular, facial), written consent for publication is mandatory. Black bars over eyes are discouraged; obtain proper consent instead.
All ophthalmic research must comply with ethical standards:
- IRB/Ethics Committee approval for all human subjects research
- Declaration of Helsinki compliance
- Informed consent documentation
- ARVO Statement for animal research
- CONSORT compliance for randomized trials
- STROBE compliance for observational studies
References should be numbered consecutively in the order they appear:
- Journal Article: Smith AB, Jones CD. Outcomes of cataract surgery in diabetic patients. J Ophthalmol Sci. 2025;12(3):245-250.
- Book Chapter: Lee M. Glaucoma management. In: Chen R, editor. Clinical Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2024. p. 156-180.
- Prepare: Format your manuscript according to these guidelines
- Register: Create an account on ManuscriptZone submission portal
- Upload: Submit manuscript, figures, consent forms, and supplementary materials
- Review: Double-blind peer review by ophthalmology specialists (4-6 weeks)
- Revise: Address reviewer feedback if revision is requested
- Accept: Pay the APC after your manuscript is accepted
- Publish: Your article goes live within 2 weeks of payment
Ready to Submit?
Your ophthalmic research can advance patient care worldwide.
