Welcome toTranslational Vision Science and Technology

Abstract

I am very pleased to introduce this inaugural issue of Translational Vision Science and Technology (TVST). TVST emphasizes multidisciplinary research that bridges the gap between basic research and clinical care. Because of its translational emphasis, TVST will publish manuscripts by scientists and clinicians with very diverse backgrounds—from basic chemistry to physics to epidemiology to ophthalmic surgery—in order to bring together research that, until now, often has been published in journals other than those directly related to ophthalmology. The TVST editorial team is looking for data and ideas that will advance or change the way we understand and treat vision-threatening diseases. TVST will feature a broad spectrum of work, such as diagnostic technology, preclinical models of human disease, new therapeutic modalities, and innovations in clinical trial design. Some specific examples may include: applications of stem cell technology for regenerative medicine, nanoengineering to improve gene and drug delivery, fabrication of artificial extracellular matrices, refinement of algorithms for data analysis to improve in vivo imaging technology, development of a fully robotic surgical environment, development of new animal or induced pluripotent stem cell models of human disease, development of sensory prostheses, results of phase 1 to 3 randomized clinical trials, and reverse translational (“bedside-to-bench”) research. In short, any innovation with translational applications will be appropriate material for the journal. TVST uses the expertise of a diverse, highly qualified group of Associate Editors and Editorial Board Members composed of biologists, chemists, engineers, clinical trialists, and clinicians who have worked successfully at the interface of research and medical practice (a substantial majority are consultants for industry; their relationships are disclosed according to the ARVO Commercial Relationships Policy). These individuals are well suited to provide a constructive, experienced perspective to the manuscript review process. Our goal is to provide rapid and high quality manuscript assessment through deployment of a global base of expert reviewers. TVST will be a forum for scientists and clinicians from many disciplines to share their work and inspire others to develop treatments for blinding diseases as well as new diagnostic modalities. TVST also will serve as a venue for representatives of the private sector to see the work in evolution. Too often, initial encounters between inventors pushing a technology forward and investors or industry partners occur relatively late in product creation. We intend to participate in creating a process that is less saltatory and more efficient. Commentary from industry professionals and venture capitalists will be part of the fabric of TVST with the hope that these individuals will provide guidance regarding different stages of product development, areas of unmet need, and also will themselves find the journal useful for insight into exciting technologies and discoveries. A unique aspect of TVST is the combination of a focus on translational vision research and a conscious attempt to bring innovators and potential partners together through a periodical that has extremely high standards. Our goal is not to influence the development of new treatments (although that might occur serendipitously) but to create a venue in which these innovations can be subject to rigorous peer review and, having been strengthened by that process, make their way into the public domain and directly to the attention of an appropriate audience of fellow innovators and potential scientific and business partners. We are operationalizing several plans that will help propel TVST to the forefront of scientific journals. For the first year, TVST will be open access to all readers. After that time, the journal will adopt a subscription-based model, with free access provided as a benefit to all ARVO members. In addition, we are applying for indexing in PubMed. We are also developing a new Web site for TVST, one capable of hosting the type of richly unique and advanced manuscripts we will publish. Due to the broad scientific scope of the journal, we hope to create a site that will appeal to our diverse readership and will offer an outstanding platform to our authors for displaying their research. Already, we are encouraged by the intensity of interest surrounding the journal. The Editor-in-Chief of Archives of Ophthalmology, Dr. Daniel Albert, has asked us to send, for highlighting in Archives, concise summaries of articles with potential for direct relevance to clinicians. This will be a new feature of Archives, and plans are underway to have a synopsis prepared for its June issue. We expect to be able to contribute to this exciting feature on a regular basis. I hope that reading TVST will be a useful, enjoyable, and enlightening experience for you! I welcome all suggestions for improvement, as my goal is to make TVST essential reading for everyone engaged in translational vision research. I look forward to making that goal a reality.