Meliora!

Editorial Meliora! Lanning B. Kline, MD A s I reflect on my 9-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology (JNO), I search for what was my guidepost-the goal that I always kept clearly in sight. It can best be summed up with the Latin word "meliora," which means "even better." I suspect that this is true for any editor-to make the publication of record the very best it can be. Although there is certainly much to be done to improve the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, I will give an overview of what we have accomplished. To begin with, in 2010 the JNO transitioned from manual submission of a manuscript to an electronic format. This led to a much more efficient way to process each manuscript, have it undergo peer review promptly, and communicate with the authors in a timely fashion. Over the past 9 years, the initial disposition of a submission has been accomplished within 7 days, peer review within 14 days, and a first decision communicated to the author within 30 days. These results are excellent when compared with other peer-reviewed medical journals. The annual number of submissions is found in Figure 1, and our most recent publication metrics are summarized in Table 1. One measure of success of a journal is its impact factor. This is determined by the number of journal articles cited in the literature over 2 years, divided by the number of journal articles published during that 2-year period. As seen in Figure 2, the impact factor of the JNO has doubled over the past 9 years. We had hoped to achieve an impact factor of 2.00 during my tenure; I am delighted that we met that goal! So, we have accomplished a great deal. Note that I have used the word "we." Many individuals have been involved in the success of the JNO. To begin with, I must thank the authors, for without them there would be nothing to publish! I have little doubt that many contributors were unhappy with my initial editorial decision or the comments they received from the peer-review process. I would suggest reading an insightful editorial entitled "Just Because it's Published Doesn't Mean it's Perfect" (1). Written by Drs. Bartley and Liesegang, the editorial points out the limitations and shortcomings of peer review. But it concludes that what is published is "an intermediate step in the process of scientific advancement." As an editor, I have strived to make the peer-review process fair, constructive, and openminded. So, my thanks must also go to the reviewers, knowledgeable individuals who also want to make the JNO "even better." The JNO Editorial Board has been exceptional: available, supportive, creative, and truly dedicated. Jason Roberts, the first Managing Editor of our Journal has been instrumental in FIG. 1. Growth in submissions of the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology: 2010-2018. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama. The author reports no conflicts of interest. Address correspondence to Lanning Kline, MD; E-mail: [e-mail] Kline: J Neuro-Ophthalmol 2018; 38: 427-428 427 Copyright © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Editorial TABLE 1. Statistics for the Journal of NeuroOphthalmology-2018 Characteristic Manuscript received Acceptance rate (%) after peer review Time from receipt to first decision (median, days) Time from acceptance to publication (median, days) Time from receipt to publication (median, days) Result 460 (projected) 58 27 47 155 job with illustrative material, clearly understanding the importance of high-quality visuals in the field of neuroophthalmology. The future of the JNO appears to be very bright. We must maintain a balance between clinical practice and scientific achievements. That will not be an easy task, given the explosion of medical knowledge, advancements in technology, and development of new treatment paradigms. It has been an honor to serve as Editor-in-Chief for the past 9 years. I would hope that my predecessors, J. Lawton Smith, Ron Burde, and Jonathan Trobe would be pleased with the evolution of the JNO. NANOS has chosen wisely in selecting Laura Balcer as my successor. In addition to her scien- FIG. 2. Impact factor of the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology: 2010-2018. our success. He has great knowledge of the publishing industry and is an international authority on publishing ethics. His role in the JNO has been indispensable. There also are 3 "behind the scenes" individuals who I must thank. Robert Farley of Lippincott-Williams & Wilkins has been a pleasure to work with as our production editor. Carol Ray has been a great editorial assistant putting up with my compulsive personality. David Fisher has done an amazing 428 tific accomplishments, Laura is a person of great passion and integrity. With all the support that she will be given, I have no doubt that the JNO will indeed be "meliora"-"even better!" REFERENCE 1. Bartley GB, Liesegang TJ. Just because it's published doesn't mean it's perfect. Ophthalmology. 2015;122:1958-1959. Kline: J Neuro-Ophthalmol 2018; 38: 427-428 Copyright © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.