Objective To set up a new animal model of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), which was quite similar to the clinical features and pathogenesis of this disease. Methods The animal model was set up by laser (krypton green 90 ～150 mW) irradiating a branch of central retinal vein after intravenous injection of photochemical drug (3% rose bengal) to 5 pigmented rabbits, and the model was confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and pathological examination. Results The model of BRVO was successfully set up, which was confirmed by clinical examination and FFA. Pathological examination showed that the occlusion was caused by intra-venousthrombosis. Conclusion An experimental BRVO model, which has the similar pathological processes of occlusion of central retinal vein and intra-venous thrombosis as those in clinic can be set up by using photochemical method. The method is quite simple, and it offers a better animal model for clinical therapeutic research. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,2002,18:23-25)