As the new editor-in-chief of Orbit, I would first like to acknowledge those who came before me. Orbit was established in 1980, with Gabe Bleeker as the first editor-in-chief. He was followed by Leo Koornneef, Maarten Mourits, Dion Paridaens, David Verity, and most recently Suzanne Freitag. It is an understatement that I have big shoes to fill and that I stand on the shoulders of giants. I am honored to have been chosen for this position, and it is my goal to make Orbit the preferred journal for publication of manuscripts concerning orbital, eyelid, and lacrimal disease.
Professions such as law and business may differ between countries and therefore not have universal applicability. However, medicine follows universal physiology and treatment. Although disease processes may differ depending on environment and genetic background, the treatment of these processes, through thoughtful and rigorous research, usually has universal agreement. Resources (human and material) may differ depending on geography, but access to similar resources results in universal treatment protocols. This cannot be understated. By establishing an international community of oculoplastic surgeons with the sharing of knowledge and dissemination of resources, treatment protocols for oculoplastic related pathology can be optimized.
In a world of political and socioeconomic divide, our goal as oculoplastic surgeons should be to act as one to advocate for the best treatment for our patients and scientific advancement of our subspecialty. This can only be attained through the sharing of knowledge through peer-reviewed research, and Orbit will strive to be a beacon in an uncertain world with regards to our ability to communicate in an unbiased, uncorrupt, and fair manner. International collaboration between oculoplastic surgeons is essential even if our respective governments may not agree politically or ideologically.
As editor-in-chief of Orbit, I want to assure all who choose to submit to the journal that manuscripts will be given full consideration regardless of country of origin or the authors’ previous publishing history. As physicians, we must continue to collaborate and communicate in a civil manner to assure the advancement of our subspecialty and the best care of our patients.
I welcome all Oculoplastic Surgery Societies to consider establishing a relationship with the journal. Currently, Orbit is the official journal of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS). As an international journal, additional societies are welcomed to consider Orbit as their official journal.
I look forward to being a facilitator of the international oculoplastic surgery community. Please contact me at [email protected] any time.
Richard C. Allen MD PhD FACS
Houston, TX USA