[1] Founded in April 1962 at the premises of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London,[2] it was inspired by a similar learned society in the United States, the Verhoeff-Zimmerman Society,[3] founded in 1945 and at that time called "The American Ophthalmic Pathology Club".
[2] In the early 1960s, ophthalmic pathology in Europe was not yet recognized as a distinct discipline and its practitioners had rarely had a formal training in the subject.
Invitations to an inaugural meeting to be held in London were sent by Norman Ashton of London, S. Ry Andersen of Copenhagen, and Willem Manschot of Rotterdam to about 30 prospective members in May, 1961, together with details of what would be expected of them: The society is governed by its council, which is chaired by the society's president, according to a constitution and bye-laws.
The current officers,[4] elected in June 2017 and June 2019 (Organizing Secretary), are: According to its constitution, the aim of the society is to promote the advancement of ophthalmic pathology by co-ordination with general ophthalmology, general pathology and allied sciences.
In addition, it encourages research, teaching and improvement of technical methods in ophthalmic pathology through scientific meetings.