In recent years, more and more attention is paid to stem cell-replacement therapy in the field of ophthamology. Stem cells including embryonic stem cells

(ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and adult stem cells, possessing the ability of differentiation towards retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), can provide an unlimited source of replacement retinal pigment epithelium cells for retinal degenerative disease. Recently, a large number of researchers have demonstrated that RPE cells could be obtained from stem cells by spontaneous differentiation, coculturing, defined factors or cell reprogramming, respectively. In addition, in vivo studies also showed that the restoration of visual function could be obtained by transplanting functional RPE cells into the subretinal space of animal model. What is more, clinical trials approved by the USA have shown promising prospects in RPE transplantation. In this review, we will discuss the various protocols for generating RPE cells from ESCs, iPSCs, and MSCs and their research progress. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2016, 40: 295-300)