Interdisciplinary research in Optometry – Call for papers

Abstract

The scientific activity in optometry has tremendously increased in the last few decades. A great deal of this activity has emerged from the collaboration between interdisciplinary research teams. It is well recognized that the knowledge transfer between diverse groups of researchers is one of the most effective drivers of innovation. The advent of modern refractive surgery, advances in eye disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as the technological advances related to these clinical activities has driven an increased demand of research activity that merged the knowledge of clinicians, basic and applied scientists, engineers and software developers bringing the cutting-edge technology to the market. We find examples of interdisciplinary research in optometry not only in the development of examination and diagnostic instrumentation, but also in the areas of biology and physiology of the eye, neurophysiology, ocular surface, or nanotechnology. With this in mind the Journal of Optometry is launching a Call for Papers on the topic “Interdisciplinary Research in Optometry” to be published in a Special Issue by July-September 2013. The accepted papers will benefit from the electronic publication ahead of print. The project will be led by Professor D. Robert Iskander (Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland) as Topical Editor, assisted by Guest Editors Prof. Thomas Millar (University of Western Sydney, Australia), Prof. Jesus Pintor (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain) and Dr. Michael Mrochen (IROC Science to Innovation AG, Switzerland). We would like to invite authors to submit their recent and original research results. Of particular interest are works showing interaction between scientists from diverse fields that provides a clear advantage to generate significant innovations in optometry research and clinical practice. This could include clinical, technological or biologically-oriented topics among others. Prospective authors are encouraged to discuss the style of their proposed papers with the topical editor to help ensure that the issue as a whole will be coherent and intelligible to the broader community of optometry and ophthalmology specialists and visual scientists. Deadline for submissions is March 31st, 2013.