Analysis of New Zealand's research productivity in ophthalmology and vision science: 1993-2002.
OBJECTIVE
To assess New Zealand's research productivity in the area of ophthalmology and vision science over the decade 1993-2002.


METHODS
New Zealand-based researchers involved in ophthalmology or vision science research, including ophthalmologists, optometrists and vision scientists were identified via professional colleges, universities and electronic databases. Peer-reviewed publications by these authors were identified by both searching electronic databases (MEDLINE/Pubmed) and personal communication with individual researchers.


RESULTS
Eighty-five New Zealand-based researchers involved in ophthalmology or vision science research published 446 articles in 84 scientific journals during the 10-year period. The cohort consisted of 59 ophthalmologists and 26 other researchers based in a diverse range of ophthalmology, optometry and university departments. Significant collaboration was observed between groups within New Zealand and with international institutions. Comparing ophthalmologists and 'other' researchers, ophthalmologists produced 69% of all ophthalmology and vision science research publications and those classified as 'active ophthalmologist researchers' published an average of 11 (range 5-55) papers each during this decade, compared to eight (range 5-25) for the group 'other active researchers'. This was also reflected in the high productivity rate by ophthalmologists of 277 publications per 1000. Publications were identified in a wide range of journals with the majority in top 20-ranked ophthalmology journals. The trend over the decade highlighted an increase in number of scientific publications, from 43 per annum in 1993, to 68 per annum in 2002.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a relatively small and geographically isolated population, New Zealand ophthalmology and vision science research is highly active and collaborative, with significantly increased research productivity during the period 1993-2002. The present study is the first to document these trends and provides strong evidence to justify continued support for ophthalmology and vision science research in New Zealand.
Pon
Jo-Anne M C
JA
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Carroll
Stuart C
SC
McGhee
Charles N J
CN
D015706:Bibliometrics; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011642:Publications / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014785:Vision, Ocular