History of the Macula Society

The Macula Society was founded in 1977 when Dr. Lawrence J. Singerman recognized the need for a forum to present and critique the rapidly expanding new research in retinal vascular and macular disease. He invited a few dozen leaders in these areas to the first meeting. He persuaded his mentor, Dr. Arnall Patz, to be the first president. He planned the meeting in Key Biscayne, Florida, to facilitate the presence of Dr. J. Donald

Lawrence J. Singerman

The Society’s purpose, then and now, is to provide a forum for the presentation and dissemination of the most current and most advanced scientific information and research in retinal vascular and macular diseases.

The Macula Society’s membership continues to grow, both in the US and internationally. Applications are accepted only once a year, and members are selected via rigorous acceptance criteria, including extensive contribution to retinal literature. Our members continue to demonstrate their exceptional achievements through cutting-edge research and leadership in major clinical trials.

Despite the Society’s growth, the number of members is smaller than in some organizations, and the smaller size has promoted exceptional camaraderie and loyalty to the Society: Most members come to almost every meeting.

Although the Society has grown considerably since that first meeting, its founding principle of sharing scientific advances in a collegial atmosphere remains unchanged.