President's message,

My personal odyssey in ocular toxicology began fifteen years ago when as a veterinary ophthalmologist I attended the 4th ISOT meeting at Annecy/Veyrier du Lac. I quickly became fascinated with the interdisciplinary challenges that ocular toxicology posed, including the mix of regulatory and business issues with the science. With this fascination came a frustration with the dearth of common shared experience and knowledge, related to the small number of individuals actively involved in ocular toxicology and the priorities and proprietary issues of the private sector, where much of the work takes place.

I was immediately impressed with the intimacy that the small group provided. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists of the highest caliber who shared interests, including Keith Green, Henry Edelhauser, Otto Hockwin, Inge Weisse, Basil Worgul, Brenda and Ramesh Tripathi, Fritz Fraunfelder, Alfred Wegener, Bob Peiffer and Eberhart Zrenner (to name a few), who became friends as well as colleagues. Truly I was fortunate to walk among giants.

Time has not altered the character of the Society which maintains the advantages and limitations of a small but friendly organization. Every two years it brings together toxicologists, human and veterinary ophthalmologists and ocular pathologists, and ophthalmic basic scientists for an enriching personal and professional experience.

A new website has been implemented in 2008 and must be continuously developed. It will hopefully enhance communication between members in order to continue to foster the advancement of the science.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I extend a warm invitation to all those with a common interest in our field to consider membership and to attend the 2010 conference in Paris.