The Translational Ophthalmology Research Center was initially established as the Ophthalmology Research Center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. In 2002 (1381 in the Iranian calendar), it received its initial approval for operation from the Council for the Expansion of Medical Universities and officially began its activities in ophthalmology research. Its focus included national and regional topics, addressing health system challenges related to eye care, and contributing to technological advancements in ophthalmology.
From the beginning, the center was located in the old building of Farabi Hospital. On the occasion of its 15th anniversary, in 2017 (1396 in the Iranian calendar), with the approval of the university's Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology and in line with targeted research policies, the center was renamed the "Translational Ophthalmology Research Center.