The Mission of ISER is to provide a unique international platform for discussion and exchange of ideas on contemporary topics in eye and vision research among its members and the broader eye/vision research community.

ISER supports this mission by holding scientific meetings at venues throughout the world, through its journal, Experimental Eye Research, and by focusing resources on the development and support of early career researchers, especially those working in the research programs of ISER members.

On the 18th of December 1968, fourteen scientists from the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland met in Oxford, England to discuss the merits of establishing an international organization to support eye research. It was agreed that there was a need for such an organization, because those scientists interested in studying the eye were scattered over many scientific disciplines in many countries, and such a Society would bring them together periodically from all over the world. It was emphasized that the future generation of scientists should be invited to the meetings organized by the Society, and helped financially to participate. The Society would strive to offer opportunities to young scientists to see and hear, and to be seen and heard. Among the objectives were: coordination of various channels of research communication; establishment of an international information center and clearing house for financial, organizational and operational aspects of eye research; stimulation and promotion of international research cooperation; assistance and cooperation with local, national and regional eye research organizations when needed.

Probably the most interesting proposition was the idea that such a new international organization should help scientists worldwide in the planning and coordination of research activities. Participants also expressed the opinion that the journal, “Experimental Eye Research”, should become the official publication of the new Society.