Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic disorder resulting in apoptosis of photoreceptors and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium due to genetic mutations. It is characterized by night blindness, peripheral visual field loss and progressive vision loss. The apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells plays an important role in the progression of RP, which has been confirmed in animal experiments and clinical trials through exogenous implantation of RPE cells as replacement therapy. With the diversification of cell sources, the update of surgical techniques and the continuous emergence of biological materials, more possibilities and hopes are provided for cell therapy. In the future, it is still necessary to strengthen the cooperation in many fields such as medicine and bioengineering, and jointly promote the innovation and development of treatment methods. It is believed that RPE transplantation therapy will show a brighter prospect in the future.