Submit a Manuscript or Letter to EyeNet
Writing opportunities are open to ophthalmologists, fellows, and residents.
Scroll down for EyeNet policy on use of AI in development of manuscripts.
Write for the Ophthalmic Pearls Section
Each Pearls column offers a succinct review of a common medical or surgical entity or procedure. Many of the articles offer step-by-step overviews of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
To get started, you only need a few things:
- a topic (for inspiration, see Past Topics)
- [residents, and fellows] a faculty advisor to review your manuscript and add his/her pearls from clinical experience
- a copy of the Writers Guidelines for Ophthalmic Pearls
- NOTE: Subspecialty articles must include at least one senior author in that subspecialty who will review the manuscript carefully for accuracy and completeness.
With the above, take the following steps:
- Email eyenet@aao.org with your proposed topic.
- After the topic has been approved, submit a one- or two-paragraph summary of the concept and why it's important, a outline of main points, key citations to be referenced, and at least one high-resolution image, bios for all authors inclusive of relevant and full financial disclosures.
- With the medical editor's approval of the material above, you may proceed to write the manuscript.
- After completion of the manuscript and before submitting to EyeNet, use the Pearls Checklist to ensure that all key requirements have been met and important details included.
Write for the Morning Rounds Section
Each Morning Rounds column provides a medical mystery that intrigues and challenges readers. It must be written by a resident, fellow, or practicing ophthalmologist.
Your case report should introduce the patient (fictitious names only) and describe his or her personal story and baffling symptoms. The case can then move on to any of the following areas: early misdiagnoses, your observations, differential diagnosis, results of tests, the eventual definitive diagnosis, treatment and the patient's progress. You should also add a few short paragraphs about the the disease to add to readers knowledge base (pathophysiology, etiology, etc).
NOTE: Subspecialty articles must include at least one senior author in that subspecialty who will review the manuscript carefully for accuracy and completeness.
Before you start writing, contact Chris McDonagh to inform him of your proposed topic and download the Morning Rounds Writers Guidelines, and as you write, consult the Author Checklist.
Write a Letter to the Editor
We want to hear from you. Send us your comments on past stories, thoughts on the profession of ophthalmology or ideas you would like to share with colleagues.
To submit your letter, e-mail eyenet@aao.org or mail it to EyeNet Magazine, AAO, 655 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Please note that EyeNet reserves the right to edit Letters.
Submit a Blink Photo
The Blink writing opportunity is open to ophthalmologists, fellows, and residents, and to medical students who have a practicing ophthalmologist as coauthor.
Got an image that is perplexing or intriguing? Send us your mystery ophthalmic image and its case description—see below for requirements and specifications.
- Image must be large and high resolution: 6” x 6” and 300 dpi, or as close to it as possible.
- Case description must be 150-250 words.
- Credit the author of the case description: include name, institution, city, and state.
- Credit the photographer: include name, institution, city, and state.
- Include a title (usually just the name of the diagnosis).
Email the image and text to EyeNet at eyenet@aao.org.
Please note that EyeNet reserves the right to edit Blink submissions.
EyeNet Policy on Use of AI to Assist in Development of Manuscripts
• Authors may use artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) in scientific writing solely to improve readability and language of the work, not to replace essential research and reporting tasks.
• AI must be used with human oversight in order to avoid incorrect, incomplete, or biased output.
• The use of AI in manuscript development must be disclosed to promote transparency and trust.
• AI cannot be listed as an author or coauthor.
• Authors are accountable for the contents of their work, and each author is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the work and approving the final version.
• Authors must ensure that their work is original and does not infringe on third-party rights.