Cells can be reprogrammed to become a different cell type by changing the cell’s gene expression. This can be brought about by altering the repertoire of proteins called transcription factors that control gene expression. In this study we use a new method to deliver the transcription factor SOX2 to retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. We can make RPE cells from stem cells. We demonstrated that RPE cells can be directly reprogrammed to a neuronal fate by introduction of SOX2. The resulting neural cells had the properties expected for a neuron. This might be a way to make different cells that are needed for therapies to treat injury and disease.