Journal centenary celebrated

Professor Mark Rosenfield is editor-in-chief of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics

The College of Optometrists is celebrating 100 years of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO).

A partnership with Springer Nature will take the international vision science and optometry research journal into its second century.

First published as the British Journal of Physiological Optics in 1925, OPO features original research papers, technical notes, reviews, editorials and letters submitted by authors from all around the world. It is a key resource for optometrists, clinicians and educators seeking high quality evidence to support their clinical practice, as well as a route for clinical and academic researchers to publish their work.

OPO publishes original studies on the use, preservation and restoration of vision. Myopia is the largest subject area covered over the past five years, plus glaucoma, low vision, and macular degeneration.

New partnership with Springer Nature

The College has selected Springer Nature as its partner for the flagship research journal – a publisher with a 180-year heritage of medical and health science research titles. 

Michael Bowen, director of knowledge and research at the College of Optometrists, said: “This new chapter with Springer Nature underlines the College’s ongoing commitment to excellence in research, and to supporting the next generation of academics, researchers and clinicians in the field of optometry.”

Professor Mark Rosenfield, editor-in-chief of OPO, added: “OPO has provided a key resource for optometrists seeking high quality evidence to support their clinical practice, and a vital route for clinical and academic researchers to publish their work. 

“From the journal’s early beginnings as the British Journal of Physiological Optics, we now have over 400,000 readers across the world, confirming OPO’s continuing reputation as the leading journal for contemporary vision science and optometry.”

OPO is published seven times a year. The first issue under Springer Nature is set for publication in January 2026. 

OPO is available to view for free to all College members at Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) – College of Optometrists.

Read more about the journal’s heritage here.