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 Gass, who opened the first session and moderated the last session of the meeting. Dr. Gass also became the second president of the Society. At the first meeting, committee chairmen were nominated and elected by the attendees.
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.