The number of top-cited scientific publications in optometry in Italy is forecasted to show minimal growth from 2024 to 2028, starting from 0.61 publications annually and slightly increasing to 0.62 by 2028. The constant value at 0.61 from 2024 to 2027 with a marginal increase in 2028 reflects a flat trend. As of 2023, the value equaled the projected 2024 value, indicating a stable trend over the short term. Year-on-year variation and five-year CAGR both suggest negligible changes, highlighting steady but stagnant publication productivity.

Future trends to watch for:

Potential shifts in research focus may spur publication increases beyond 2028.
Collaboration with international institutions could enhance citation potential.
Technological advancements in optometry may drive future research interest and output.