Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a synthetic retina, comprising: i) providing a three dimensional stem cell culture throughout the differentiation time course, ii) differentiating the three dimensional stem cell culture for a first time period in a first neural cell culture medium comprising: a) L-glutamine; b) B27 supplement; and c) an IGF-1 receptor agonist, iii) subsequently differentiating the three dimensional stem cell culture for a second time period in a second neural cell culture medium comprising: a) L-glutamine; b) B27 supplement; c) N2 supplement; and d) an IGF-1 receptor agonist, wherein said synthetic retina contains laminated retinal tissue comprising.