The molecular basis of the development and evolution of the visual system has intrigued scientists for centuries. The eye and visual system have long been recognized as fascinating and uniquely informative models to explore fundamental properties of lineage specification and pattern formation. Vision is a highly specialized sensory function that demands a precisely organized neural system that has proven a favorite model to uncover principles of development and evolution. Further, this precision must be maintained throughout the life of the organism.

The Gordon Research Conference on Visual System Development brings together investigators using vertebrate and invertebrate animal models to study the development, disease, and evolution of the visual system. The goals of this biennial conference are to generate an understanding of common principles that regulate visual system development, to share the latest and most exciting new results, and to stimulate new ideas and collaborations that impact our understanding of eye development and disease. The GRC Visual System Development conference provides a highly interactive and stimulating venue for cross-fertilization of concepts between the invertebrate and vertebrate scientific communities. Our goal is to generate an appreciation of common principles that mediate the construction and function of the visual system in diverse organisms and to share the latest exciting ideas and concepts.

The first night session will include speaker Martin Friedlander, who will discuss the role of stem cells in development and therapeutics. Through the meeting speakers will discuss a range of disciplines, model systems and approaches in sessions that include Eye Determination, Non-Retinal Development, Signaling Networks, Central Visual System, Evolution and Organization of Photoreceptors, Retinal Disease and Regeneration, and Connectivity in the Visual System. All participants are encouraged to present a poster; additional speakers will be chosen for each session from the poster abstracts.