Confidentiality

Somewhat related to your conflicts of interest, you should consider whether you can keep the manuscript topic and content confidential.

If the topic is too close to something in your own professional domain – competing research, for example – you may find it difficult to:

• Refrain from using information contained in the manuscript
• Avoid sharing or discussing the manuscript with your colleagues

Also note that if you do agree to review and there is a special circumstance where you need to seek specific advice from a colleague, you:

• Are responsible for ensuring confidentiality
• Are required to request permission from the editor for that consultation and inform the editor of any contributions from the consultation to the final review

Generally, Optica Publishing Group’s single-blind review policy means that the reviewer’s identity should not be revealed to the author. However, if you have a reason to want to reveal your identity to the authors, please consult with the editor to obtain permission to do so.

All reviewers should read the “Obligations of Reviewers of Manuscripts” section of the Guidelines of Optica Concerning Ethical Practices in the Publication of Research before engaging in peer review.

If you are in any doubt about your ability to maintain confidentiality, please let the editors know.  They will be happy to advise on whether you should decline to review a particular manuscript.