Publication Ethics

World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS)

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards at all stages of the publishing process. As the official journal of the World Association of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (WAOPRS), the journal adheres strictly to international guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). WJOPRS ensures that published work is conducted responsibly, reported honestly, and evaluated through a fair, rigorous, and transparent editorial process.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to the World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. By submitting a manuscript, authors affirm that their work is original, accurate, transparent, and prepared in accordance with internationally accepted principles of scientific integrity.

1.1 Originality and Plagiarism

Original Work Requirement

Authors must ensure that the manuscript is entirely original and has not:

Been previously published in whole or in part
Been simultaneously submitted to another journal
Been presented or archived in a form that constitutes prior publication, unless explicitly permitted (e.g., preprints with clear disclosure)

Forms of Plagiarism Prohibited by WJOPRS

WJOPRS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism, including:

Direct plagiarism: Copying text, ideas, or data from another source without proper citation
Self-plagiarism: Republishing one’s own previously published text, figures, or data without disclosure
Duplicate publication: Submitting the same or substantially similar work to multiple journals
Image plagiarism/manipulation: Reusing or altering previously published images, clinical photographs, scans, or graphs without permission
Text recycling: Reusing substantial portions of text from earlier papers without citation or quotation marks

Plagiarism Screening

To protect the integrity of the scientific record, all submissions undergo:

Advanced plagiarism detection using industry-leading software (e.g., iThenticate, Turnitin)
Image forensics screening to detect inappropriate manipulation or duplication

Manuscripts failing originality checks may be rejected, returned to authors for clarification, or reported to institutional authorities in accordance with COPE guidelines.

1.2 Authorship Criteria

WJOPRS strictly adheres to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship criteria. Authorship must be limited to individuals who have made substantial intellectual contributions to the work.

**Each listed author must fulfill all four ICMJE criteria:**

Conception or Design: Significant involvement in study design, hypothesis generation, methodology, or acquisition/analysis/interpretation of data.
Manuscript Preparation: Participation in writing, drafting, or providing critical revisions that enhance intellectual content.
Final Approval: Review and approval of the final manuscript version before submission and publication.
Accountability: Agreement to take responsibility for accuracy, integrity, and resolution of any questions about the work.

Prohibited Authorship Practices

Guest authorship: Listing individuals who did not contribute substantially
Honorary authorship: Adding names to acknowledge support or seniority without contribution
Ghost authorship: Excluding individuals who made substantial contributions
Paid or third-party authorship: Not permitted under any circumstances

Each author’s contributions (according to CRediT taxonomy, if used) must be explicitly stated during submission.

1.3 Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Transparency of interests is essential to preserve trust in scientific publishing. Authors must disclose all potential conflicts of interest, including:

Financial relationships (grants, consultancy, honoraria, equipment, stocks)
Institutional affiliations
Personal or professional relationships
Patent ownership or applications
Competing academic interests or rivalries

Required Documentation

All authors must complete and submit the ICMJE Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form.
Any conflict relevant to the manuscript must be described clearly within a dedicated section in the article.

Failure to disclose conflicts may lead to rejection, retraction, or notification of responsible institutions.

1.4 Ethical Approval and Patient Consent

WJOPRS requires strict adherence to ethical guidelines governing human and animal research.

Ethics Approval

All research involving human participants, identifiable data, or human specimens must be approved by:

An Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Ethics Committee (EC)
Independent Ethics Committee (IEC)

The manuscript must clearly state:

Name of the approving body
Approval number/reference
Date of approval
Whether the research complied with the Declaration of Helsinki

Informed Patient Consent

Authors must obtain written informed consent for:

Any identifiable patient information, including clinical images
Case reports and vignettes
Videos, radiologic images, or surgical sequences

Consent must explicitly allow publication for scientific purposes.

Clinical Trial Registration

All clinical trials must be prospectively registered in a publicly accessible registry, such as:

ClinicalTrials.gov
Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI)
ISRCTN
EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT)

The registration number must be included in the manuscript.

1.5 Data Accuracy and Availability

Accuracy and Integrity of Data

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

Data are accurate, honest, and free from fabrication or falsification
Statistical analyses are appropriate and transparently reported
Results are presented without manipulation or misrepresentation
Negative results or unexpected findings are not suppressed

Data Availability and Verification

On request by editors or reviewers, authors must provide:

Raw datasets
Source files for figures
Analytic code or software settings
Ethics approval documentation
Patient consent forms (with identifying details redacted)

Datasets may be deposited in recognized archives or repositories when required.

Failure to provide verifiable data may result in rejection or retraction.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in safeguarding the scientific quality, integrity, and credibility of the World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS). By participating in the peer-review process, reviewers agree to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards outlined below.

2.1 Confidentiality

All manuscripts received for review are strictly confidential documents. Reviewers must treat every submission as privileged information and must not share, distribute, or discuss the manuscript or its contents with anyone, including colleagues, trainees, or third parties, unless explicitly authorised by the Editors. Under no circumstances may reviewers use any data, ideas, images, or concepts obtained through the peer-review process for personal research, academic advantage, or financial gain. Manuscripts may not be saved, stored, or retained after the review is completed. Reviewers must delete any downloaded or printed material immediately upon submitting their review. Breaches of confidentiality constitute serious ethical violations and may lead to removal from the reviewer pool.

2.2 Objectivity and Fairness

Reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive, and unbiased evaluations that focus solely on the scientific quality, methodology, originality, and relevance of the manuscript. Reviews should avoid personal criticism, derogatory language, or comments unrelated to the content of the work. Feedback should be specific, evidence-based, and aimed at helping authors improve the clarity, accuracy, and rigour of their submissions. Reviewers should assess all work impartially, irrespective of the authors’ nationality, institutional affiliation, seniority, gender, or other personal attributes. Any suspicion of misconduct—such as plagiarism, data manipulation, or duplicate publication—should be reported confidentially to the Editors, not addressed directly with the authors.

2.3 Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that may impair their ability to provide an impartial and fair assessment. They should immediately decline the review if they:

Have collaborated with the authors within the past three years
Have a personal or professional relationship that could influence their judgment
Stand to benefit academically, financially, or competitively from the publication or rejection of the manuscript
Are working on similar research that could pose a conflict
Feel their objectivity may be compromised for any reason

Reviewers must not accept manuscripts where prior knowledge of the authors’ identity or research could create real or perceived bias. WJOPRS values transparency and expects reviewers to uphold strict ethical standards in all evaluations.

2.4 Timeliness

Timely peer review is essential to maintaining an efficient editorial process. Reviewers should accept invitations only when they are confident they can complete the review within the designated timeframe. If unexpected circumstances arise that may cause delays, reviewers must inform the editorial office immediately so that alternate arrangements can be made. Prolonged delays without communication hinder scientific dissemination and burden authors. If a reviewer feels unqualified to review certain aspects of the manuscript, they should notify the Editors promptly rather than provide inadequate or superficial feedback. WJOPRS appreciates reviewers who contribute in a responsible, respectful, and timely manner.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors of the World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) hold a central role in maintaining the scientific integrity, credibility, and ethical standards of the journal. They are entrusted with ensuring that all manuscripts are evaluated fairly, transparently, and without bias, while upholding the principles of editorial independence, confidentiality, and professional responsibility. The responsibilities outlined below are aligned with the ethical guidelines recommended by COPE, ICMJE, and WAME.

3.1 Editorial Independence and Integrity

Editors must exercise full independence in evaluating and making decisions on submitted manuscripts. Editorial decisions must be based solely on the manuscript’s academic merit, originality, scientific rigor, and relevance to the journal’s scope. Editors must not be influenced by external factors such as authors’ nationality, institutional affiliation, seniority, gender, personal relationships, or commercial interests. Advertising, sponsorship, or organisational influence should never compromise editorial judgment. WJOPRS upholds strict editorial autonomy to ensure that all decisions reflect impartial scientific evaluation and benefit the scholarly community.

3.2 Fair and Transparent Manuscript Handling

Editors are responsible for ensuring that each manuscript undergoes an unbiased and efficient peer-review process. After an initial assessment for completeness, scope, and ethical compliance, suitable manuscripts must be assigned to expert reviewers who possess the appropriate scientific and methodological expertise. Editors must ensure that the peer-review process is conducted in a double-blind manner, maintaining anonymity between authors and reviewers. Editorial decisions—whether acceptance, revision, or rejection—must be communicated clearly, along with the rationale and reviewer comments. Any appeals from authors should be handled objectively, following a transparent and predefined process.

3.3 Confidentiality and Data Protection

Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts as strictly confidential documents. Manuscript content, reviewer identities, editorial discussions, and decision-making information must not be shared with anyone outside the editorial process. Editors must not use unpublished data, ideas, or findings from submitted manuscripts for personal research, professional benefit, or gain. Access to manuscript files should be restricted to individuals directly involved in the editorial process, and editors must ensure compliance with data protection regulations and journal confidentiality policies.

3.4 Management of Conflicts of Interest

Editors must avoid handling manuscripts where real or perceived conflicts of interest may exist. These conflicts include personal relationships with authors, recent collaboration, financial interests, academic competition, or any circumstance that may compromise impartial judgment. In such cases, the manuscript must be reassigned to another editor without conflict. All editorial board members must disclose relevant relationships or affiliations that might influence their decision-making. Editors should also ensure that authors and reviewers adhere to the journal’s conflict-of-interest policies.

3.5 Ensuring Ethical Compliance and Research Integrity

Editors are responsible for ensuring that all submitted research complies with ethical guidelines for human and animal studies. Manuscripts should be checked for documentation of ethics approval, informed consent, clinical trial registration, and adherence to relevant reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, PRISMA, STROBE, CARE). When concerns arise regarding plagiarism, data fabrication, ethical violations, image manipulation, or authorship misconduct, editors must initiate investigations following COPE flowcharts and ensure that appropriate actions—such as rejection, correction, retraction, or institutional notification—are taken.

3.6 Accountability and Professional Conduct

Editors must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. They should actively work to improve the quality of the journal by monitoring review quality, identifying emerging ethical issues, and continually refining editorial policies. Editors should foster a respectful, constructive environment for authors and reviewers, and must act promptly to address complaints, appeals, or disputes. They should promote a culture of scientific excellence, inclusivity, and transparency, ensuring that WJOPRS remains a trusted and authoritative platform for global oculofacial research.

4. Research Misconduct & Handling Procedures

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record. Any departure from accepted ethical and scientific standards threatens the trustworthiness of published research. WJOPRS investigates all allegations of misconduct promptly, fairly, and in accordance with guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to, fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, unethical experimentation, improper authorship practices, duplicate publication, data manipulation, and breach of ethical standards. WJOPRS follows established procedures to evaluate, verify, and resolve such concerns.

4.1 Types of Research Misconduct

4.1.1 Fabrication and Falsification

Fabrication refers to the invention of data, cases, images, or findings.
Falsification includes manipulating research processes, equipment, data, or results to mislead or distort conclusions.
Examples include altering clinical images, modifying outcomes, selective data omission, or manipulating statistical analyses.

4.1.2 Plagiarism

Plagiarism involves presenting another person’s ideas, text, data, or images as one’s own without appropriate attribution.
Forms of plagiarism include:

Direct copying
Mosaic plagiarism
Self-plagiarism
Image or data duplication
Duplicate or redundant publication

4.1.3 Unethical Research Practices

Misconduct also includes failure to obtain ethical approval, lack of informed consent, inappropriate image usage, or violation of the Declaration of Helsinki or institutional guidelines.

4.1.4 Authorship Misconduct

Examples include:

Guest, honorary, or ghost authorship
Excluding contributors who meet authorship criteria
Disputes over contribution and responsibility
Manipulation of authorship order for academic gain

4.1.5 Peer Review Misconduct

Such misconduct by reviewers may involve breach of confidentiality, delaying review to gain an advantage, or using unpublished data for personal benefit.

4.2 Reporting Suspected Misconduct

WJOPRS encourages editors, reviewers, readers, or external whistle-blowers to report suspected misconduct. Reports may be submitted confidentially to the Editorial Office with supporting evidence.

The journal ensures that all allegations are treated seriously, impartially, and confidentially. No individual reporting genuine concerns will face retaliation.

4.3 Initial Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation:

The Editor-in-Chief conducts a preliminary review to determine whether the claim has merit.
Manuscript records, reviewer comments, and submission history are examined.
If necessary, plagiarism detection or image forensics tools are re-run.
The authors may be contacted for clarification or explanation.

If suspicion remains after preliminary evaluation, a formal investigation is initiated.

4.4 Formal Investigation Procedures

If potential misconduct appears credible, WJOPRS follows these steps:

4.4.1 Author Notification and Response

Authors are notified of the concerns in a neutral, non-accusatory manner and are allowed to respond in writing.
They may be asked to provide:

Raw data
Original images or scans
Ethics approval documents
Patient consent forms
Study protocols or trial registration information

4.4.2 Involvement of the Editorial Board

The Editor-in-Chief may consult Associate Editors, the Ethics Committee, or subject experts for further guidance.

4.4.3 Institutional Contact

If the issue involves a serious ethical breach, fabricated data, authorship dispute, or harmful misconduct, the journal may contact:

The authors’ institution
Research integrity officers
Funding bodies
Relevant regulatory authorities

WJOPRS follows COPE flowcharts in all decision-making steps.

4.5 Outcomes and Corrective Actions

Depending on the severity of the misconduct, WJOPRS may take one or more of the following actions:

4.5.1 Rejection of Manuscript

Immediate rejection of manuscripts under review if evidence of misconduct is confirmed.

4.5.2 Retraction of Published Articles

Published articles may be retracted if findings are unreliable due to misconduct or severe errors.
Retraction notices will:

Be permanently linked to the original article
Clearly state the reasons for retraction
Remain freely accessible

4.5.3 Corrections or Errata

If the scientific findings remain valid but minor issues are identified (incorrect data labelling, missing citation, authorship clarification), a correction may be issued.

4.5.4 Expression of Concern

Used when investigations are ongoing, or evidence is inconclusive, but concerns warrant public notification.

4.5.5 Institutional Notification

For serious violations, WJOPRS may notify the authors’ employers, ethics committees, or funders.

4.5.6 Reviewer or Editor Sanctions

In the case of peer-review or editorial misconduct, the responsible individuals may be removed from their roles or reported to relevant authorities.

4.6 Post-Investigation Responsibilities

Following resolution:

WJOPRS will update the publication record transparently.
Authors may be prohibited from future submissions, depending on the severity.
Reviewers or editors found guilty of misconduct may be removed permanently.
All actions taken will be consistent with COPE best practices.

4.7 Commitment to Transparency and Integrity

WJOPRS is dedicated to preserving scientific integrity by:

Encouraging ethical research practices
Providing clear procedures for addressing misconduct
Ensuring transparent corrections to the literature
Protecting the scientific community and readers from misleading information

The journal’s approach remains impartial, thorough, respectful, and aligned with global ethical standards.

5. Retractions, Corrections & Editorial Notes

Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record is a core responsibility of the World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS). When errors, ethical issues, or concerns arise in published articles, WJOPRS ensures that the literature is corrected promptly and transparently. All corrective actions—including retractions, corrections, and editorial notes—are handled in accordance with COPE guidelines and best practices in scholarly publishing.

5.1 Retractions

A retraction is issued when a published article is found to be fundamentally flawed, unreliable, or ethically compromised. Retractions are considered in cases of:

Proven research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, ethical violations)
Major methodological errors that invalidate findings
Unreliable data, duplicated images, or manipulated figures
Undisclosed conflicts of interest that significantly affect interpretation
Duplicate or redundant publication
Breaches of rights, such as absence of required consent or ethical approval

Principles of Retractions

Retraction notices are clearly labeled, free to access, and permanently linked to the original article.
The original article is not removed but is digitally watermarked or marked as “Retracted” on every page.
The notice explains the reason for retraction, who initiated it (authors, editors, or institutions), and whether all authors agree.
Retractions are issued even if authors cannot be contacted, refuse cooperation, or contest the decision.
The goal is correction of record, not punishment.

5.2 Corrections (Errata & Corrigenda)

Corrections are issued when errors do not invalidate the scientific findings but require clarification or amendment. Examples include:

Minor inaccuracies in data or text
Mislabeling of figures or tables
Author name or affiliation errors
Incorrect citations or references
Clarification needed for methodology or terminology

Types of Corrections

Erratum: Correction for errors introduced by the publisher.
Corrigendum: Correction for errors made by the authors.

Corrected articles are updated online, and the dated correction notice is linked to the article to maintain transparency.

5.3 Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern is issued when:

There is inconclusive evidence of misconduct
Investigations are ongoing or delayed
Author institutions are unresponsive
Concerns exist but are not sufficient to warrant retraction

Expressions of Concern alert the scientific community that serious questions remain regarding the integrity of the article. Once investigations conclude, the notice may be replaced by a correction, retraction, or removal of the concern.

5.4 Editorial Notes and Publisher’s Notes

In rare instances, WJOPRS may publish an Editorial Note or Publisher’s Note to clarify important contextual information. These may include:

Updates on policy changes
Notifications related to research ethics developments
Clarifications about previous statements, processes, or editorial decisions
Commentary on issues affecting transparency or scientific integrity

These notes are clearly distinguished from research content and do not alter the academic conclusions of articles.

5.5 Article Withdrawal (Before Publication)

A manuscript may be withdrawn from publication under the following circumstances:

Authors request withdrawal before acceptance (with justification)
Significant ethical issues arise during the editorial process
Evidence of misconduct is discovered before publication

Once an article is formally published, withdrawal is replaced by a retraction as per COPE guidelines.

5.6 Updating the Scientific Record

WJOPRS is committed to:

Ensuring all corrections and notices are issued promptly
Keeping all editorial actions fully transparent and publicly accessible
Using DOI-linked notices to maintain permanent records
Preventing misleading or erroneous information from remaining uncorrected
Protecting readers, clinicians, and researchers from flawed or unethical research

Editors, reviewers, authors, and readers all share responsibility in maintaining a trustworthy scholarly environment.

6. Data Sharing & Transparency

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) strongly supports transparency, reproducibility, and openness in scientific research. Providing access to underlying data enables verification of results, fosters collaboration, enhances credibility, and contributes to the advancement of oculofacial and reconstructive surgery. WJOPRS encourages authors to share data responsibly while respecting ethical, legal, and privacy considerations.

6.1 Commitment to Research Transparency

WJOPRS expects authors to present all data accurately, comprehensively, and without manipulation. Transparency includes clear reporting of:

Study design and methodology
Inclusion/exclusion criteria
Statistical methods and assumptions
Instrumentation, software, and analytic protocols
Limitations and potential biases

Authors must not omit important data that could affect interpretation, nor selectively misleadingly report misleading results. Transparency is essential for maintaining the integrity of the scientific record.

6.2 Data Availability Statements

All submitted manuscripts must include a Data Availability Statement describing:

Whether the underlying data are publicly available
Where the data can be accessed (repository link, DOI, dataset location)
Any restrictions due to patient privacy, proprietary information, or institutional policy
Whether data are available upon reasonable request

Examples of acceptable statements include:

“Data supporting the findings are available in XYZ repository (DOI: …).”
“De-identified patient data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.”
“Data cannot be publicly shared due to patient confidentiality, but supporting materials can be provided with appropriate approvals.”

6.3 Recommended Data Repositories

WJOPRS encourages deposition of datasets in recognised, secure, FAIR-compliant repositories, such as:

Dryad
Figshare
Zenodo
Harvard Dataverse
OSF (Open Science Framework)
Institutional repositories
Specialised imaging or biomedical repositories, where relevant

Deposited data should include appropriate metadata, documentation, and file descriptions to ensure usability by other researchers.

6.4 Sharing of Clinical Images, Videos & Surgical Data

Oculoplastic research often involves imaging, surgical recordings, and sensitive patient information. Authors must ensure:

All files are fully de-identified
Facial or ocular identity markers are removed unless explicit consent is obtained
Images and videos adhere to patient consent and confidentiality regulations
Raw surgical videos, operative photographs, OCT scans, CT/MRI images, or histopathology slides are shared responsibly and ethically

Where patient consent prohibits public sharing, authors may provide restricted-access links or controlled data-sharing mechanisms.

6.5 Availability of Raw Data and Study Materials

Upon request from editors or peer reviewers, authors must be prepared to provide:

Raw numerical data
Source files for graphs, tables, and images
Imaging raw formats (DICOM, TIFF, high-resolution originals)
Statistical analysis code or software settings
Questionnaires, scoring sheets, or grading forms used in the study
Laboratory protocols or technical specifications

Failure to supply data or materials without a valid justification may affect editorial decisions.

6.6 Clinical Trials: Transparency Requirements

For clinical trials, authors must ensure:

Prospective registration in an approved registry
Submission of the full study protocol, including amendments
Provision of the statistical analysis plan (SAP), where applicable
Inclusion of the CONSORT flow diagram
Disclosure of all trial outcomes (primary and secondary), even if negative

WJOPRS supports initiatives such as AllTrials, promoting complete transparency in clinical research.

6.7 Protection of Patient Privacy

Data sharing must always prioritise the safety and dignity of patients. Authors must ensure:

Proper de-identification of datasets
Removal of personal identifiers
Secure handling of sensitive clinical information
Compliance with national and international privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, institutional regulations)

Any exceptions to data sharing due to privacy concerns must be clearly stated in the Data Availability Statement.

6.8 Transparency in Statistical Methods & Reproducibility

Authors must describe statistical analyses with sufficient detail to enable replication, including:

Statistical software and version
Exact tests performed
Correction methods for multiple comparisons
Assumptions and model diagnostics
Effect sizes and confidence intervals
Handling of missing data

Use of open-source statistical code or sharing analysis scripts is strongly encouraged.

6.9 Ethical Limitations to Data Sharing

Situations where data cannot be shared openly must be justified appropriately, such as:

Risk of patient identification
Legal or contractual restrictions
Proprietary datasets
Cultural or institutional policies
Sensitive images involving minors or vulnerable groups

Even when data cannot be publicly shared, authors should offer alternatives (e.g., controlled access, limited sharing upon request).

6.10 Journal Commitment to Open Science

WJOPRS embraces the principles of open science by:

Encouraging responsible data sharing
Supporting reproducible research practices
Providing clear policies and guidance to authors
Promoting transparency in reporting and methodology
Aligning with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles

The journal continually updates its policies to reflect evolving best practices in transparency and reproducibility.

7. Human & Animal Rights

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) is committed to ensuring that all research published in the journal adheres to the highest ethical standards in the protection of human subjects and animals involved in scientific investigation. Authors are responsible for ensuring that all studies are conducted in accordance with internationally accepted ethical guidelines, national regulations, and institutional requirements.

7.1 Research Involving Human Participants

7.1.1 Compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki

All research involving human participants must comply with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, most recent revision. These include respect for individuals, informed consent, beneficence, and the protection of privacy, dignity, and safety.

7.1.2 Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee Approval

Manuscripts reporting studies involving human subjects, human tissue, identifiable data, or clinical records must provide documented evidence of approval from a recognized:

Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Ethics Committee (EC)
Independent Ethics Committee (IEC)

Authors must state in the manuscript:

Name of the approving committee
Approval number or reference code
Date of approval
Confirmation that the study adhered to relevant ethical guidelines

If an IRB deemed a study exempt, this must be explicitly stated with justification.

7.1.3 Informed Consent

Authors must obtain written informed consent from participants for:

Participation in research studies
Use of identifiable patient data
Publication of clinical photographs, imaging (CT, MRI, OCT), surgical videos, or case details

Consent must explicitly permit publication for scientific and educational purposes.
For minors or individuals lacking capacity, consent must be obtained from legally authorised representatives.

When using de-identified data where consent is not required, authors must ensure that no information allows the identification of individuals.

7.1.4 Privacy and Confidentiality

Authors must take all necessary measures to protect participants' privacy, including:

Removal of personal identifiers
Masking of patient images unless consent is given
Use of secure data handling systems
Compliance with local and international privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)

Studies involving sensitive groups (children, vulnerable populations, or cognitively impaired individuals) must include additional safeguards.

7.2 Clinical Trials

All clinical trials must be prospectively registered in a publicly accessible registry such as:

ClinicalTrials.gov
Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI)
ISRCTN
EU Clinical Trials Register

Manuscripts must include the trial registration number and follow the CONSORT guidelines for reporting.

Deviations from the approved protocol must be disclosed and justified.

7.3 Research Involving Human Biological Material

Studies involving:

Human tissues
Cadaveric specimens
Archival samples
Genetic material

must comply with institutional, national, and international regulations. Appropriate approvals and consent documentation must be obtained before conducting the study.

7.4 Research Involving Animals

7.4.1 Ethical Compliance

Research involving animals must conform to relevant guidelines and standards, such as:

ARRIVE Guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments)
CPCSEA (Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals – India)
ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research
National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval requirements

Authors must state in the manuscript:

Name of the approving animal ethics committee
Protocol number
Adherence to recommended animal welfare standards

7.4.2 Humane Treatment

Authors must ensure that:

Animals are treated humanely and handled by trained personnel
Pain, distress, and discomfort are minimized
Anesthesia, analgesia, or sedation is used as appropriate
Humane endpoints are applied where necessary
Housing, feeding, and environmental conditions meet ethical requirements

7.4.3 Justification of Animal Use

Authors must justify the use of animals, demonstrate that alternatives were considered, and explain the rationale for sample size. Studies involving unnecessary animal use or insufficient ethical justification will not be considered.

7.5 Prohibited Practices

WJOPRS will not accept manuscripts that involve:

Unethical experimentation or inadequate protection of subjects
Studies without appropriate ethical approval
Use of identifiable patient images without consent
Animal studies lacking humane care or adequate justification
Disregard for internationally recognized ethical standards

Such manuscripts may be rejected, retracted, or referred to institutional authorities.

7.6 Editorial Oversight

Editors will evaluate manuscripts for ethical compliance before peer review. During the review process, any concerns raised by reviewers regarding human or animal welfare are addressed promptly. Editors reserve the right to request:

Ethics approval documents
Consent forms (redacted)
Study protocols
Animal welfare compliance certificates

Failure to provide required documentation may result in rejection or withdrawal of the manuscript.

7.7 Commitment to Ethical Research

WJOPRS affirms that protecting human subjects and animal welfare is fundamental to scientific integrity. The journal will continue to update its policies in alignment with international ethical standards and promote responsible, humane, and ethical research practices across all submissions.

8. Editorial Processing Transparency

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) is fully committed to maintaining a transparent, fair, and accountable editorial process. All manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review system, ensuring that neither authors nor reviewers are aware of each other’s identities, thereby minimizing bias and fostering impartial scientific evaluation. The journal upholds a strict non-discrimination policy, ensuring that editorial decisions are never influenced by an author’s gender, nationality, ethnicity, institutional affiliation, seniority, or financial status. Acceptance or rejection of manuscripts is based solely on academic merit, scientific validity, methodological soundness, and relevance to the field of oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. WJOPRS clearly defines its editorial criteria and communicates decisions transparently, offering authors comprehensive, constructive, and respectful feedback that supports the improvement of their work, regardless of the final publication outcome. Through these practices, the journal strives to cultivate trust, integrity, and excellence in scientific communication.

9. Advertising & Sponsorship Ethics

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) maintains a clear distinction between editorial content and commercial activities to preserve the journal’s credibility, scientific independence, and integrity. All advertising and sponsorship activities must comply with ethical and professional standards and must never influence editorial decisions or compromise the objectivity of the peer-review process.

9.1 Independence of Editorial Decisions

Editorial decisions—such as acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts are made solely based on academic merit, scientific rigor, and relevance to the field. Under no circumstances may advertising revenue, sponsorship agreements, commercial interests, or organizational partnerships influence editorial judgment. Editors and reviewers are shielded from commercial considerations and operate with full autonomy.

9.2 Acceptable Advertising Content

Advertisements accepted for publication in WJOPRS must be:

Accurate, evidence-based, and not misleading
Ethical and compliant with medical and pharmaceutical regulations
Relevant to ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery, medical devices, education, or healthcare
Respectful, professional, and non-exploitative

Content promoting unsafe, unregulated, or scientifically unverified products or procedures will not be considered. Advertisements must not mimic the appearance of editorial content.

9.3 Sponsorship and Supported Content

Sponsored supplements, special issues, educational activities, or conference-related publications must be handled transparently and ethically.

All sponsored content is clearly labelled as “Sponsored” or “Supported by”.
Sponsors are not involved in the selection, review, or approval of scientific articles.
Authors and guest editors retain full editorial independence and must disclose any relevant funding or conflicts of interest.

WJOPRS will not permit sponsors to influence the content, conclusions, or recommendations of scientific articles.

9.4 Transparency and Disclosure

All advertisements and sponsorships must be openly disclosed to readers. The journal will clearly distinguish between:

Editorial articles
Sponsored content
Advertisements
Announcements or promotional materials

Readers should be able to easily differentiate commercial material from peer-reviewed scientific content.

9.5 Review and Approval of Advertisements

The Editorial Office and Publisher reserve the right to:

Reject advertisements that do not meet ethical or professional standards
Remove advertisements found to be misleading, unethical, or inappropriate
Request modifications to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Advertisements may be withdrawn at any time if found to violate journal policies.

9.6 No Endorsement Policy

Publication of advertisements, sponsored content, or commercial announcements does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the editors, reviewers, WAOPRS, or the journal. All content reflects the views of the advertisers alone.

9.7 Protection Against Conflicts of Interest

Individuals involved in editorial decision-making must not participate in advertisement sales, business negotiations, or sponsorship agreements. Clear operational separation is maintained between editorial and commercial teams to avoid conflicts of interest.

WJOPRS is committed to ensuring that advertising and sponsorship activities are ethical, transparent, and entirely independent of the scientific editorial process, thereby upholding trust in the journal’s academic integrity.

10. Post-Publication Discussion & Corrections

The World Journal of Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (WJOPRS) actively encourages scholarly dialogue and post-publication engagement to strengthen scientific transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the field. Readers, authors, and members of the scientific community are invited to submit letters to the editor, comments, critiques, or concerns regarding published articles. All post-publication correspondence is handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness. Valid concerns—whether related to data interpretation, methodological clarity, ethical issues, or potential errors—are promptly reviewed by the Editorial Team following established procedures. Where necessary, the journal may request clarifications from authors, seek expert opinion, or initiate formal evaluation according to COPE guidelines. Depending on the outcome, WJOPRS may issue a correction, addendum, editorial note, expression of concern, or retraction to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scientific record. Through this commitment to open dialogue and responsible correction practices, WJOPRS ensures that the published literature remains trustworthy, relevant, and reflective of the highest standards of scientific integrity.

11. Compliance with International Guidelines

WJOPRS follow the latest Core Practices applicable in publishing scholarly studies for editors and journal publishers, and institutions as outlined by COPE Core Practices.

The WJOPRS is firmly committed to upholding the highest global standards of ethical publishing, research integrity, and scientific reporting. The journal adheres to the COPE Code of Conduct, ensuring responsible editorial oversight, transparent decision-making, and proper handling of misconduct. WJOPRS follows the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations, which guide policies on authorship, conflicts of interest, data transparency, and ethical conduct in medical publishing. In line with the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) best practices, the journal promotes editorial independence, integrity, and responsible peer review. WJOPRS also requires authors to apply internationally recognised reporting guidelines such as CONSORT for clinical trials, PRISMA for systematic reviews, CARE for case reports, ARRIVE for animal studies, and STROBE for observational studies to ensure completeness, reproducibility, and methodological rigor. These frameworks help guarantee that all published work is accurate, transparent, ethically sound, and aligned with international expectations for high-quality biomedical research. The journal continually updates its policies to remain consistent with evolving global standards in scientific publishing.