From the early nineteen fifties, Nairobi ophthalmologists had formed the habit of meeting monthly for clinical meetings. These gatherings were held, following a cup of tea, in various Nairobi consulting rooms or at the King George VI Hospital (now Kenyatta National Hospital). It was customary to invite interested ophthalmic opticians. These meetings culminated in the inaugural meeting of the Ophthalmological Society of East Africa on 27th June 1970 which was held at the Rehmatulla Wing of the Kenyatta National Hospital. Ref: OSEA Historical background. Dr. Bisley. EAJO, Nov. 77;2(1). At the morning session of this meeting, OSEA was formed, officials elected, representatives from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda nominated and draft constitution agreed upon in a record two hours flat! There after there was a busy afternoon of scientific papers, clinical case presentations and discussions. Subsequently, conferences were held on rotational bases in the three East African countries

At the 2006 annual conference, OSEA opened the door for registration of all ophthalmologists practicing in the Eastern Africa Sub-Region and its name changed to Ophthalmological Society of Eastern Africa. Constitutional changes to facilitate the opening of OSEA country chapters in Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Brundi, Central African Republic and other interested Eastern African nations were approved.

OSEA Council officials are the Chairman, Secretary and the Treasurer and the main activities include:

OSEA like many professional societies in Sub-Saharan Africa has some difficulties and limitations arising from:

Despite the limitations OSEA, together with the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) is spearheading the formation of a supranational society for Sub-Saharan Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa Ophthalmological Society- SSAOS).