The College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka is the only professional body of ophthalmologists in the country. It is the direct continuation of the Ophthalmological Society of Sri Lanka founded in 1957. It was established in 1991 and the office of the College is presently functioning at the National Eye Hospital, Colombo, which is the centre of excellence and the main training centre for ophthalmic post graduate trainees, ophthalmic technologists and ophthalmic nurses.

The Ophthalmological Society of Ceylon was formed by a group of interested clinicians who met at Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital on 1 December 1957 and was the second oldest Specialist Association in the country. Dr. WHD Ferdinands was the Founder President.