The International Commission for Optics was created in 1947. It is an Affiliated Commission of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), and a Scientific Associate of the International Council of Science (ICSU). Its objective is to contribute, on an international basis, to the progress and diffusion of knowledge in the field of optics.

The Commission has three categories of Members : Territorial Committee Members (53 members including two Associate Members), International Organisation members (6 members). The governing body of ICO is its General Assembly, usually held every three years during an ICO Congress that includes an international conference on optics. Between General Assemblies, a Bureau is responsible for the conduct of the Commission. The Bureau consists of the President, the Past-President, the Secretary General and the Associate Secretary, the Treasurer, and fourteen Vice-Presidents, (eight elected) of whom at least two are from industry.