PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we will discuss the recent developments in 
optogenetics and their potential applications in ophthalmology to restore vision 
in retinal degenerative diseases.
RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, we have seen major advances in the field of 
optogenetics, providing us with novel opsins for potential applications in the 
retina. Microbial opsins with improved light sensitivity and red-shifted action 
spectra allow optogenetic stimulation at light levels well below the safety 
threshold in the human eye. In parallel, remarkable success in the development 
of highly efficient viral vectors for ocular gene therapy led to new strategies 
of using these novel optogenetic tools for vision restoration.
SUMMARY: These recent findings show that novel optogenetic tools and viral 
vectors for ocular gene delivery are now available providing many opportunities 
to develop potential optogenetic strategies for vision restoration.