Methods for modulating development and function of photoreceptor cells

A method of treating or reducing the severity of an ocular disease or disorder in a subject comprising:

• identifying a subject suffering from or at risk of developing an ocular disease or disorder, and
• locally administering to an ocular or adnexal tissue of said subject a composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding Nr1d1 or fragment thereof, wherein said ocular disease or disorder comprises retinal degeneration, retinal dysplasia, S-cone syndrome, Goldman-Favre syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, or macular degeneration.