The eye has fascinated scientists from the earliest days of biological investigation. The diversity of its parts and the precision of their interac tion make it a favorite model system for a variety of developmental studies. The eye is a particularly valuable experimental system not only because its tissues provide examples of fundamental processes. but also because it is a prominent and easily accessible structure at very early embryonic ages. In order to provide an open forum for investigators working on all aspects of ocular development. a series of symposia on ocular and visual development was initiated in 1973. A major objective of the symposia has been to foster communication between the basic research worker and the clinical community. It is our feeling that much can be learned on both sides from this interaction. The idea for an informal meeting allowing maximum exchange of ideas originated with Dr. Leon Canbeub. who supplied the necessary driving force that made the series a reality. Each symposium has concentrated on a different aspect of ocular development. Speakers have been selected to approach related topics from different perspec tives.