COVID-19 pandemic and ophthalmology: insights from the IVORC Academic Foundation.

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the global academic community. The International Virtual Ophthalmic Research Center (IVORC) Academic Foundation, which is committed to advancing vision science through international collaboration, research, and education, played a pivotal role in addressing these disruptions. Central to its mission are 2 affiliated journals in ophthalmology and optometry that serve as key platforms for innovative research on ocular disease management. In response to the pandemic, the IVORC implemented a series of strategic initiatives to support the vision science community, while ensuring research continuity and safety. This report reviews COVID-19-related publications in these journals and highlights the key actions of the IVORC in strengthening preparedness for future global health crises.

Methods: We reviewed COVID-19-related articles published in IVORC-affiliated journals from the onset of the pandemic through February 2025. Key findings were analyzed, focusing on the reported ocular manifestations of COVID-19 and potential ophthalmic complications associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Results: To sustain academic engagement and research productivity, the IVORC expanded its virtual meetings, webinars, and digital outreach initiatives, with a strong emphasis on academic writing and publication ethics. The foundation actively promoted COVID-19-related ophthalmic research, published a clinical guideline, reported ocular manifestations of the disease, encouraged the adoption of teleophthalmology, and strengthened collaborations with regional and national societies. Between early 2020 and February 2025, IVORC-affiliated journals published 19 COVID-19-related articles from researchers across 10 countries, primarily in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. These comprised 6 original articles, 5 reviews, 2 case reports, 2 editorials, 2 short communications, and 2 letters, most of which appeared in Medical hypothesis, discovery & innovation in ophthalmology. Among the early contributions was a widely cited guideline for ophthalmic practice, published within months of the onset of the pandemic.

Conclusions: The proactive response of the IVORC to the COVID-19 crisis highlights the essential role of academic leadership in maintaining research continuity and scholarly communication during global health emergencies. The diverse and internationally authored IVORC publications reflect a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the inclusion of perspectives from underrepresented regions. This experience reinforces the importance of prioritizing original research over publication volume-particularly clinical guidelines and studies detailing disease manifestations. Fast-track publication models must maintain rigorous editorial standards to ensure that scientific contributions remain timely and reliable during public health crises.