The 2012 Gordon Conference on Visual Systems Development will bring together investigators studying the development, diseases, and evolution of the visual system The goals of this conference are to generate an understanding of common principles that regulate visual system development in diverse species, to share the latest most exciting new results and cutting edge technologies, and to stimulate new ideas and collaborations that impact our understanding of eye development and disease. This meeting will also aim to apply our growing knowledge of eye development and maturation to the fields of regeneration, stem cells, and neural degeneration to stimulate innovative efforts to combat blindness. Poster sessions will allow informal exchange of ideas, and a number of poster presenters will be selected for short talks, ensuring the participation of junior investigators and late-breaking stories. The meeting will foster interactions among students, early-career investigators and leaders in the field, and will provide an environment that stimulates discussion and interaction across disciplines in the field of vision.