- 1978: First GA – Oxford, United Kingdom — 170 representatives from 44 nations; Theme: Mobilizing resources
- 1982: Second GA – Bethesda, Maryland, USA – 300 representatives from 50 countries; Theme: New horizons in sight
- 1986: Third GA – New Delhi, India – 400 participants; Theme: A decade of progress
- 1990: Fourth GA – Nairobi, Kenya – over 400 participants from 60 countries; Theme: Sustainable strategies
- 1994: Fifth GA – Berlin, Germany; Theme: Towards affordable, accessible, appropriate eye care
- 1999: Sixth GA – Beijing, People’s Republic of China – 600 participants from 57 countries; Theme: The Right to Sight. Launch of VISION 2020
- 2004: Seventh GA – Dubai, United Arab Emirates; More than 600 delegates from 75 countries; Theme: Partnership
- 2008: Eighth GA – Buenos Aires, Argentina; Close to 800 delegates from 60 countries; Theme: Equity and Excellence in Eye Care
- 2012: Ninth GA – Hyderabad, India; Close to 1500 delegates from 66 countries; Theme: Eye Care: Everybody’s Business
