Waiver Policy
The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (IJCEO) is committed to supporting equitable access to scientific publishing. We recognize that authors from low-resource settings, early-career researchers, and those without funding support may face financial challenges. This Waiver Policy outlines how Article Processing Charges (APCs) may be waived or discounted to ensure inclusivity in scholarly publishing.
Eligibility for Waivers
- Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): Authors based in countries classified by the World Bank as LMICs may be eligible for partial or full waivers.
- Early-Career Researchers: First-time corresponding authors or students may request discounts.
- Unfunded Research: Authors without institutional or grant funding may apply for consideration.
- Special Cases: Exceptional contributions of high societal or scientific value may be considered for waivers regardless of funding status.
Types of Waivers
- Full Waiver: 100% APC waived for eligible applicants.
- Partial Waiver: 25–75% reduction depending on circumstances.
- Discounts: May be provided for multiple submissions from the same group or institution.
Application Process
- Submit a waiver request at the time of manuscript submission.
- Include justification and supporting documents (e.g., institutional letter, funding status).
- The editorial office will review requests confidentially and notify authors before acceptance.
Conditions
- Waiver decisions do not influence editorial or peer review outcomes.
- Requests made after acceptance may not be considered.
- Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and cannot be appealed.
Funding Support
Authors are encouraged to explore APC funding opportunities from institutions, libraries, and grant agencies. IJCEO complies with Plan S, Horizon Europe, NIH, and other open access funding mandates.
Commitment to Equity
By offering waivers and discounts, IJCEO ensures that high-quality research in ophthalmology is not excluded from dissemination due to financial barriers. This policy reflects our mission to advance equitable open access publishing globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a waiver?
Submit a waiver request with your manuscript submission, including justification and supporting documents.
Can I apply for a waiver after acceptance?
No. Waiver requests must be made during the submission process.
Does waiver approval affect editorial decisions?
No. Editorial and peer review processes are independent of APC considerations.