The society was first formed in 1964 by pioneering Malaysian ophthalmologists, as a society within the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) designated as the MMA Ophthalmological Society (MMAOS). Over the following 45 years, the society grew in membership and activities under the umbrella of the MMA, promoting and advancing the specialty.

Eventually, the membership of the MMA OS realized that, in order for the society to fulfill its objectives and to meet new challenges more effectively, it was necessary to spread its wings and exist as an independent society.

With that, the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO) was formed and successfully registered with the Registrar of Societies on April 15, 2008. The MMA OS was dissolved on December 31, 2009.

As our predecessor society had done so well over the years, the MSO will continue to carry the flag for the profession of ophthalmology in Malaysia, having taken over all the duties and functions of the MMA OS. Malaysia has been proud to host the APAO congress in 1987 and 2005.