Methods are provided for the production of retinal ganglion (RG) progenitor cells and mature RG cells from pluripotent stem cells optionally under feeder-free conditions, and further optionally under xeno-free conditions. Additionally provided are compositions of RG progenitor cells and mature RG cells, as well as methods of use thereof including therapeutic use thereof. Exemplary methods may produce substantially pure populations and cultures of RG progenitor cells and mature RG cells.
