The ARCHIVES and the National Eye Institute will be publishing a special theme issue on epidemiology of blinding diseases and blindness prevention. Barbara Blodi, MD, and Frederick Ferris III, MD, will be guest editors for this special issue. We invite all investigators to submit important research addressing issues concerning blindness such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, low vision, and blindness. Early receipt ensures the best chance for acceptance for this special issue. Accepted manuscripts not included in this issue will be published in other issues of the ARCHIVES. All manuscripts are subject to peer review. Please note in the cover letter that the submission is for the "epidemiology of blinding diseases and blindness prevention" theme issue.