New Editor in Chief for AAO’s journal

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY’S JOURNAL, OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE, ANNOUNCES NEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The American Academy of Optometry (AAO) is pleased to announce David Elliott, PhD, FCOptom, FAAO, as the new Editor-in-Chief of Optometry and Vision Science (OVS). Elliott succeeds Michael Twa, OD, PhD, FAAO, who is stepping down from the role after seven years.

Elliott comes to OVS after 11 years leading the Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics (OPO) journal. During his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of OPO, submissions increased, and citation metrics improved, leading to OPO’s positioning in the top quartile of ophthalmology and optometry journals and ranking #1 within optometry. Previously, Elliott served as a topical editor for OVS for eight years and as the co-editor of five feature issues. He became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry in 1992 and has been the recipient of several AAO awards, including the Glenn A. Fry Award (2013), the William Feinbloom Award (2018), and the Garland W. Clay Award (2009, 2011).

“The search committee made a concerted effort to reach out personally to solicit applications from a diverse list of potential candidates. We had the happy problem of interviewing several exceptionally well-qualified applicants,” shared Don Mutti, OD, PhD, FAAO, chair of the search committee. “We evaluated editorial experience, leadership, and the vision for the future of Optometry and Vision Science. Dr. Elliott impressed the committee with his outstanding record of success as Editor-in-Chief of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics and his creative, data-driven plans for improving the author experience, maximizing value to our readers, and promoting the scientific reputation of the journal.”

For more than seven years, Twa has committed countless hours to elevating the OVS journal, while also operating as Associate Dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then Dean of the University of Houston College of Optometry. During his tenure, the journal’s impact factor rose from 1.4 in 2016 to 2.1 in 2023. Twa championed the modernization of OVS, including a new logo and an improved online experience for both readers and authors, and navigated the transition from a print to a fully online publication.

“The Academy expresses its sincerest gratitude to Michael Twa, whose unwavering commitment and expertise have shaped OVS’s success during the seven years of his oversight,” stated AAO President, Susan Cotter, OD, MS, FAAO. “As we bid farewell, we eagerly welcome our new editor Dave Elliott, who brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of editorial accomplishments. Their shared dedication and passion for excellence guarantee a smooth transition for the journal. OVS is in excellent hands, and we look forward to Dave’s leadership and the fresh perspectives he will bring.”

“The recognition of my scientific work by the Academy in honoring me with the Glenn Fry Award was a high point of my career. I am similarly honored to be appointed Editor-in-Chief of Optometry & Vision Science,” said Elliott. “The Academy is the leading international optometric organization, and its flagship journal has a vital role in documenting the academic advancement of our profession.  I believe I have the requisite skills and experience to be a creative, innovative, and transformative Editor-in-Chief.”

Elliott’s first issue as Editor-in-Chief will be published in January 2024.