After Islam, based on recommendations of medical teaching by Prophet Mohammad and innocent Imams (peace be upon them) all branches of medicine, including ophthalmology, expanded considerably. Islamic scientist such as Mohammad Ibin Zakaria Razi (865-925) and Abu Ali Sina wrote important papers on ophthalmology. Other notable works include books by Abusah Jorjani and zarrin dast.

  Modern ophthalmology of Iran started in 1916, following the establishment of Darol fonuon (Poly techniques) school in Tehran. The Ophthalmology seat allocated to Dr. Yahya Shams-Malekara (Lesanol Hokama). With the establishment of Tehran University in 1935 the Ophthalmology seat was given to Professor Mohammad Gholi Shams.

Iranian society of ophthalmology (IrSO) was founded in 1947 by a group of foreign-trained and domestic-trained ophthalmologists with the aim of providing services to both ophthalmologists and ordinary people. Its board of directors is elected by majority votes of more than 1500 members for 3 years.

IrSO considers itself as the unique authorized body for training promotion, research and treatment of eye disease in Iran and the region. It also has the responsibility of defending the scientific integrity and legal rights of Iranian ophthalmologists.

Based on these objectives, IrSO has a very intimate connection with the Ministry of Health and Iran Medical Association and other international ophthalmology societies. It holds monthly and seasonal domestic seminars, as well as an annual international congress.  

IrSO has 5 subset of specialties, namely: Cornea and Refractive, Vitreo-retinal, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive, Glaucoma, Neuro-ophthalmology, and Pediateric & Strabismus.