Very small embryonic-like stem cells(VSELs)is a rare population of pluripotent adult stem cells, whose biological nature is similar to that of embryonic stem cells, firstly identified in murine bone marrow(BM)and human cord blood(CB)by Kucia and his group in University of Louisville. They have similar outlook to embryonic stem cells such as cell morphology and markers and similar inner pluripotent characteristics which make them be the most potential seed cells in the cell replacement therapy. In this review, we will focus on research advance about VSELs and clinical significance in the stem cell transplantation treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.