Iris neovascularization has been reproducibly created in cynomolgus monkey eyes by argon laser occlusion of retinal veins. Pre-treatment of the eyes with lensectomy and vitrectomy (before the retinal vein occlusion) led to a more rampant development of the iris neovascularization in all eyes, as well as development of neovascular angle closure glaucoma in two of the 12 eyes. Histopathologic examination confirmed the finding of neovascular angle closure. This primate model may allow further investigation into the causes and therapy of neovascular glaucoma.