World-leading College research journal increases impact

World-leading College research journal increases impact

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, the world’s top-ranked optometry journal, has significantly increased its key journal citation metrics.

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) – the research journal of The College of Optometrists – continues to prove to be a vital home for publishing new, high-quality research in vision science and optometry. For the seventh year in a row, OPO retains its position as the top-ranked optometry journal in the world.

OPO is a leading international interdisciplinary journal that addresses basic and applied questions pertinent to contemporary research in vision science and optometry. It publishes original research papers, short communications and reviews and is read by optometry, ophthalmology and vision science researchers, educators and clinicians concerned with the development, use and restoration of vision.

The journal’s impact is evidenced by the 2020 Journal Citations Reports (JCR), recently released by Clarivate Analytics, and in new rankings from Scopus, Elsevier’s abstract and citation database. The data shows an increase in OPO’s impact factor (IF), which measures the average number of times articles from the previous two (or five) years are cited in scientific and social science journals in a given year. The IF is a useful metric for measuring the strength of a journal by how often its publications are cited in scholarly literature.

Professor Mark Rosenfield, Editor-in-Chief of OPO, said: “OPO strives to publish cutting-edge research targeted towards all members of the optometric and vision science community around the world.”

The new data/rankings are listed below:

• 3.117: 2-Year Journal Impact Factor, an increase of 19% from 2019
• 3.328: 5-year Journal Impact Factor, a 7% increase from the previous year
• For the seventh consecutive year, OPO is ranked first (1/10) in Optometry (2020 Elsevier Scopus rankings).

Michael Bowen, Director of Research at The College said; “We are delighted to see that OPO continues to prove its value and importance within vision science and optometry on a global level. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all how important research is when determining the best course of action in unprecedented circumstances. This year, we have published a range of significant articles, including the latest evidence on treatments for myopia control, a survey on the prevalence of mental health conditions and wellbeing of optometrists, and an analysis of diversity in global ophthalmology and optometry leadership. We are proud to know that our output is being read and highly respected.”

All members of The College of Optometrists have access