Current status and future prospects for cultured limbal tissue transplants in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand

Cultured limbal tissue transplants have become widely used over the last decade as a treatment for limbal stem cell deficiency ( LSCD ). While the number of patients afflicted with LSCD in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand is considered to be relatively low, the impact of this disease on quality of life is so severe that the potential efficacy of cultured transplants has necessitated investigation. We presently review the basic biology and experimental strategies associated with the use of cultured limbal tissue transplants in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand. In doing so, we aim to encourage informed discussion on the issues required to advance the use of cultured limbal transplants in A ustralia and N ew Z ealand. Moreover, we propose that a collaborative network could be established to maintain access to the technology in conjunction with a number of other existing and emerging treatments for eye diseases.