A substrate for cellular therapy to treat diseased or damaged ocular tissue, comprising:a non-porous polymer,wherein said substrate comprises a substantially homogeneous apical surface for the growth of cells,wherein the thickness of said substantially homogeneous apical surface ranges from about 0.1 to about 5 microns,wherein said substrate comprises an inhomogeneous basal surface comprising supporting features juxtaposed with said substantially homogeneous apical surface,wherein the height of said supporting features ranges from about 1 µm to about 500 µm;wherein said substrate is configured to support a population of cells suitable for the treatment of diseased or damaged ocular tissue, andwherein, upon implantation into a subject, said substrate supports said population of cells for a period of time sufficient to treat said diseased or damaged ocular tissue.