Present therapies for retinal degenerative diseases are limited in their efficacy. Consequently

the development of novel neuroprotective and neuroregenerative treatments is a top priority. Stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine

and recently many efforts have been devoted to find suitable candidates for retinal transplants. A variety of stem-cell-based approaches are being advanced to replace impaired retinal cells and/or to slow the disease processes by providing neuroprotective factors

with the ultimate aim of long-term improvement in visual function. Furthermore

clinical trials are in the early stages

and data on safety and efficacy are widely anticipated. We discussed here the challenges and potential of stem-cell-based therapies in treatment of retinal blindness.