Last year, ASCO’s online Journal, Optometric Education, celebrated 50 years of scholarship after publishing its 50th Volume. 

Optometric Education (OE) is published three times a year and is the only Journal solely dedicated to optometric education. 

In honor of this milestone, ASCO chatted with editors of OE, past and present to learn more about the Journal and how far its come. 

The first editor we spoke with, Dr. Elizabeth Hoppe, reflected back fondly of her years with the Journal.

Dr. Hoppe served as editor from 2001 – 2010.

Now we are hearing from Dr. Aurora Denial, editor from 2010 – 2023. See her comments below.

Next we will feature the current editor, Dr. Keshia Elder. Stay tuned!

Reflections on the Past

6. What do you remember most about your time as editor of Optometric Education?
   What stands out most are the conversations with faculty and colleagues who shared a deep commitment to advancing education. Whether at conferences, during site visits, or in casual discussions, those moments of connection reminded me how powerful collaboration can be in shaping the future of our profession.

7. What were some of the most memorable challenges or accomplishments during your tenure?
   During my tenure, I had the privilege of visiting 20 optometric institutions, where I met with faculty to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities for scholarship. At each institution, I presented on the Journal and on the importance of the scholarship of teaching and learning, followed by collaborative discussions with faculty about challenges and potential research directions. One of my proudest accomplishments was launching the Educational Starter Grants in 2011 with ASCO and support from The Vision Care Institute, LLC, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. These grants gave faculty the seed funding and encouragement to begin meaningful projects. Collectively, these initiatives helped raise awareness of evidence-based education and supported many educators in pursuing scholarly work.

8. How did the journal evolve under your leadership?
   The journal became more widely recognized as a venue for educational scholarship. I believe we succeeded in encouraging faculty to not only engage in educational research but also to view it as a vital part of their professional contribution. This resulted in a richer and more diverse body of work being published.

9. What were the key issues or themes in optometric education during your editorship?
   Key themes included Interprofessional Education, Diversity and Cultural Competency, and International Education. These areas reflected broader shifts in healthcare and academia that were—and continue to be—central to preparing future optometrists.

10. Can you share a favorite article or issue that was published during your time as editor?
    Two editorials stand out for the dialogue they generated: “Should We Require Class Attendance” and “The Four-Year Optometric Education Program: Something’s Got to Give.” Both pieces struck a chord with readers and opened important conversations about teaching practices and the structure of optometric education.
11. What was your editorial vision for the journal when you began your term?
    My vision was to ensure that Optometric Education became a central forum for sharing innovations and advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning.

12. How did you balance scholarly rigor with accessibility for a broad readership?
    Our reviewers played an essential role in ensuring academic rigor, and I greatly valued their expertise. At the same time, I worked to support authors—especially those newer to scholarship—by offering guidance and encouragement. Striking this balance meant the journal could maintain credibility while remaining approachable.

13. What advice would you give to future editors about maintaining the quality and relevance of the journal?
    Be both patient and persistent. For many authors, the journey into scholarship is challenging, and rejection or revision can feel discouraging. By providing thoughtful feedback and support, future editors can nurture new voices while maintaining the standards that give the journal its authority.

14. How did you engage with authors, reviewers, and the broader academic community?
    I placed great value on face-to-face engagement. I met with faculty and authors at national and international meetings—including the World Council, AAO, and AOA—and during site visits at their institutions. These personal interactions-built trust and encouraged active participation in the journal.

15. Were there any innovations or changes in journal operations, layout, or focus during your time?
    Yes. The journal broadened its scope to highlight pressing issues such as interprofessional education and diversity, while also streamlining processes to make submission and review more efficient. These changes supported both authors and readers and allowed the journal to remain relevant to the evolving needs of the profession.

16. How do you think the journal has contributed to the growth of optometric education over the past 50 years?
    By publishing high-quality educational research, the journal has helped the profession embrace evidence-based approaches to teaching and curriculum development. It has provided a foundation for innovation and accountability in education.

17. What role did the journal play in advancing scholarship and pedagogy in optometry?
    As the only journal dedicated exclusively to optometric education, it provided a critical platform for research, innovation, and scholarly dialogue. This unique focus gave educators the space to share their work and advance the profession’s collective knowledge.

18. How did it reflect or shape the priorities of the profession at the time?
    The journal both mirrored and influenced the profession’s priorities by publishing work on issues such as diversity, interprofessional education, and evidence-based teaching. By doing so, it not only documented these emerging priorities but also shaped how they were discussed and addressed.

19. In what ways did the journal help connect educators across institutions or countries?
    The journal served as a shared space where educators could exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and collaborate across geographic and institutional boundaries. It built a sense of community that extended beyond borders.

20. What do you hope Optometric Education will achieve in the next 50 years?
    I hope it continues to expand the body of educational scholarship and remains the leading resource for evidence-based teaching in optometry. Its continued growth will ensure that future generations benefit from both rigorous research and innovative practices.

21. What emerging trends should the journal focus on to remain at the forefront of optometric education?
    Two key areas will be crucial: supporting the evolving needs of today’s learners and exploring the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in education. Both hold tremendous potential to shape the future of teaching and learning.

22. What inspired you to take on the role of editor?
    I was inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the profession in a meaningful way—by supporting scholarship, encouraging faculty, and helping shape the dialogue around optometric education. The role aligned perfectly with my passion for both teaching and research.

23. What did you learn personally or professionally from the experience?
    Personally, I learned patience and resilience, especially in guiding authors through the sometimes-challenging publication process. Professionally, I gained a deeper appreciation for how scholarship not only informs education but also strengthens the profession as a whole.

24. How has your perspective on optometric education changed since your editorship?
    My perspective has grown to recognize the complexity of preparing the next generation of optometrists. It is not only about imparting knowledge and clinical skills, but also about cultivating reflective, culturally competent professionals who can adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.