American Optometric Association And Elsevier Mark New Partnership

DALLAS, Texas, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of Optometry’s Meeting(TM) 2005, world-leading scientific and medical publisher Elsevier is pleased to announce the formation of a new publishing partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Under the agreement, Elsevier becomes publisher of Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association, beginning with the July 2005 issue. “As a global leader in the field, Elsevier brings unparalleled resources and expertise to its role as publisher of Optometry,” comments Editor-in-Chief Paul B. Freeman, O.D. “The new arrangement will enhance journal operations while increasing Optometry’s visibility and value to AOA members and the entire optometric profession.”

A highlight of the partnership will be a dedicated journal website, located at www.optometryjaoa.com, on which members and subscribers can access the full contents of each monthly issue. Other online features include a searchable archive of past issues as well as options to sign up for e-mail alerts and customize the site according to individual needs. Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association will also be accessible through Elsevier’s institutional subscription service, ScienceDirect (www.sciencedirect.com).

Plans also call for an electronic manuscript submission and review system, to be implemented early in 2006. “The ability to submit manuscripts electronically will eliminate much of the ‘paper’ handling, making the peer review and editorial process more efficient and effortless,” according to Dr. Freeman.

Elsevier will also assume responsibility for production and distribution of AOA News, which will continue to be published out of the AOA office. As always, AOA members will receive both Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association and AOA News as a benefit of membership.

“Partnering with the AOA provides Elsevier with a unique opportunity to serve the U.S. and global optometry market,” comments Terrie DuHadway, who will serve as Publisher of Optometry for Elsevier. “We look forward to supporting the AOA leadership in their mission of delivering the most important clinical research, practice knowledge, and professional news to all optometrists.”

About the American Optometric Association

The American Optometric Association, founded in 1898, represents more than 34,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians in more than 7,000 communities across the country. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. The mission of the profession of optometry is to fulfill the vision and eye care needs of the public through clinical care, research and education, all of which enhance the quality of life of patients. Visit the AOA website at www.aoa.org.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. Working in partnership with the global science and health communities, Elsevier’s 7,000 employees in 74 offices worldwide publish more than 1,800 journals and 2,200 new books per year, in addition to offering a suite of innovative electronic products, such as ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com), MD Consult ( http://www.mdconsult.com), Scopus (http://www.news.scopus.com), bibliographic databases, and online reference works.

Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com) is a global business headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and has offices worldwide. Elsevier is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc (http://www.reedelsevier.com), a world-leading publisher and information provider. Operating in the science and medical, legal, education and business-to-business sectors, Reed Elsevier provides high-quality and flexible information solutions to users, with increasing emphasis on the Internet as a means of delivery. Reed Elsevier’s ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

Elsevier

CONTACT: Terrie DuHadway, +1-314-453-4339, t.duhadway@elsevier.com