The formation of eye starts with appearance of optic pit on the lateral sides of forebrain bulge in the developing embryo at about 3rd week of intrauterine life. This sets in a cascade of events which leads to differentiation of the three germ layers into ocular and adnexal structures. Errors may occur during this novel process and manifest as congenital anomalies, some are inheritable. Knowledge of aetiopathogenesis, inheritance pattern, manifestations and systemic associations helps in prognosticating and management of these anomalies.