Editors of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (IJCEO) are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. Their conduct directly influences the credibility of the journal and the trust of authors, reviewers, and readers. This policy defines the ethical framework guiding editorial responsibilities.

Integrity and Accountability

• Editorial decisions must be fair, unbiased, and based on academic merit.
• Editors are accountable for the decisions made under their authority.
• All editorial actions must align with COPE and ICMJE principles.

Confidentiality

Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential. Manuscripts and related data cannot be shared beyond the editorial team and assigned reviewers unless legally required.

Conflict of Interest

• Editors must declare and avoid handling manuscripts where conflicts exist, including financial, institutional, or personal ties.
• Manuscripts authored by editors must undergo independent external review to avoid bias.

Fair Play

Manuscripts should be evaluated based on their scholarly content regardless of the authors’ nationality, institutional affiliation, race, gender, or religious beliefs.

Dealing with Misconduct

• Editors must investigate suspected cases of plagiarism, fabrication, or unethical research practices.
• When misconduct is confirmed, editors should issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern.
• Editors must follow COPE flowcharts for ethical problem-solving.

Transparency in Editorial Decisions

Editors must provide clear, evidence-based reasons for manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection. Appeals from authors must be considered respectfully and impartially.

Respect for Reviewers and Authors

• Editors should ensure respectful communication with authors and reviewers.
• Reviewers should receive clear instructions and sufficient time to complete evaluations.
• Authors should be updated promptly about the status of their submissions.

Continuous Professional Development

Editors should engage in ongoing training in scholarly publishing ethics, including workshops, COPE webinars, and other professional development activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can editors publish in IJCEO?

Yes, but such submissions must be handled independently by other editors to ensure objectivity.

What if an editor has a conflict of interest?

The editor must recuse themselves, and the manuscript should be reassigned to another editor.

How are ethical complaints addressed?

All complaints are investigated confidentially, and appropriate actions are taken in line with COPE guidelines.