Abstract: Methods for laser microdissection isolation of viable cells are provided. Cells of a desired type may be isolated from a diverse population, optionally with detection and exclusion of undesired cells. Desired cells may be isolated from a population that arose from differentiation of pluripotent cells, preferably embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, and undifferentiated stem cells may be detected and excluded from selection including the isolation of RPE cells sleeted based on morphology (e.g., characteristic mottled appearance) from a population of ES cells. The cells isolated by these methods, including RPE cells, may be essentially free of undifferentiated cells and thus suitable for use in cell-based therapies.