[A new change in studies of ophthalmology: translational medicine-from basic to clinic].

Translational medicine is a new concept in the field of international medicine that aims to reduce barriers and build relationships between clinical and basic research, and to translate scientific knowledge and research production into practical applications. Recently, the developments in the study of translational medicine in many fields have been reported abroad. However, the development of translational medicine is in the initial stage in China. A turning point will be brought to ophthalmic research by improving the development of translational research. This review introduces the concept and development of translational medicine as well as the recent advances in the studies of translational medicine in ophthalmology.