By 2024, the share of corresponding/leading authors in US optometry publications is forecasted to be 89.16%. This marks a continuing downward trend from the 2023 actual figure, indicating a gradual year-on-year decrease. From 2024 to 2028, the share is predicted to decline at an annual rate of approximately 0.63%, culminating at 86.92% in 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over these five years reflects this consistent reduction.

Future trends to watch for include:

Increased collaboration in scientific research, possibly contributing to the decline in single-author leadership.
Growing interdisciplinary research could diversify corresponding author backgrounds.
Technological advancements might influence how authorship is attributed and recognized in publications.