The latter half of summer is always an enlightening time for me. Its when we start planning the 2006 editorial calendar. I know that no one wants to think about January when were barely through the month of July. But, planning is critical when youre trying to represent the voices of X number of optometrists.

I typically begin the planning process by setting up meetings with members of our board, so I can pick their brains for information. These optometrists are amazing, and Id never get anything done without their generous support. They have some really incredible ideas for 2006 that Im sure youll find riveting.

In addition to the blockbusters that theyve helped me assemble, weve decided to do something additional this year: Were holding an open call. Now through August 15, 2005, we are accepting article submissions for consideration in Review of Optometry. We wont have room to publish all your submissions. But, thanks to a group of qualified O.D. volunteers, we will make time to review each manuscript in a double-blind system and will select the very best to be published in 2006.

So, you may wonder, why are we doing this? After all, it certainly will entail a lot of extra reading for our staff. The answer is simple: This is your magazine, and it should reflect the diversity of your profession.

Basics for the Writer
Review of Optometry works on assignment only, but is presently reviewing unsolicited submissions for the 2006 calendar year. Optometrists who are interested in publishing in Review should send completed articles to our offices no later than August 15, 2005. Articles will not be accepted from third parties, such as manufacturers or PR firms. The request to publish must originate from a licensed optometrist, and all future approvals and correspondence must take place between Reviews editors and the O.D. author. Manuscripts must meet the following criteria:

Clinical Features
Clinical manuscripts should be 2,000 to 5,000 words in length. Unpublished research findings and unsubstantiated claims will not be accepted. Clinical assertions must be well referenced. Clinical features must include at least one clinical photo or illustration per 600 words. Product shots will not be accepted.

Editors Tip: Think in broad terms and explain everything. Explore your topic thoroughly. Leave no question unanswered. If your article has a hint of bias toward a single product or focuses on a single therapy, it will likely be rejected. In the majority of cases, it is most appropriate to cover a range of potential technologies or treatments, acknowledging other views that may differ from your own. Include cases where applicable.

Practice Management Features
Practice management articles should be 1,200 to 2,000 words in length. They should contain useful how-to advice and tools for readers. Please provide real-life examples for your assertions.

Editors Tip: Personal accounts make nice additions to an already compelling article. Include as many hands-on pearls and anecdotes as you can.

A Word on Style
Review of Optometry retains its niche by giving optometrists practical information thats easy to read. We do this by couching all prose in a conversational style, and prefer active voice to passive. Please keep this mind when writing your article. If your manuscript is accepted, an editor will work with you to make sure your article adheres to our style before a final commitment to publish is made by Review.

Please include a two-sentence biography at the end of the manuscript. If you have a financial interest in a product youre writing about, please disclose that in the article.

Include as many photos, illustrations, charts and graphs as you can to illustrate the manuscript. Number them and include corresponding figure legends.

Where to Send Your Masterpiece
All submissions must be delivered via email to ahellem@jobson.com or on a CD mailed to 11 Campus Blvd., Suite 100, Newtown Square, PA, 19073. Submissions will not be accepted after August 15, 2005. Authors will be notified by October 31, 2005.

Vol. No: 142:7Issue: 7/15/2005