The aim of this study was to develop a synthetic hydrogel to act as a corneal substitute capable of selectively supporting the adhesion and proliferation of limbal epithelial cells (LECs) while inhibiting growth of limbal fibroblasts. Deficiency of LECs causes conjunctival epithelial cells to move over the cornea producing a thick scar pannus. Unilateral defects can be treated using LEC cultured from the unaffected eye then transplanting them to the affected cornea after scar tissue is removed. The underlying wound bed is often damaged however, hence the need to develop a corneal inlay to aid in corneal re-epithelialization. Transparent epoxy-functional polymethacrylate networks were synthesised using a combination of, glycerol monomethacrylate, Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, lauryl methacrylate and glicidyl methacrylate, that produced two different bulk hydrogel compositions with different equilibrium water contents: Base1 and Base 2, EWC = 55% and 35% respectively. Two sets of amine-functional hydrogels were produced following reaction of the epoxide groups with excesses of either ammonia, 1,2-diamino ethane, 1,3-diamino propane, 1,4-diamino butane or 1,6-diamino hexane. Neither series of hydrogels supported the proliferation of limbal fibroblasts irrespective of amine functionalisation but they both supported the adhesion and proliferation of limbal epithelial cells particularly when functionalised with 1,4-diamino butane. With Base 1 hydrogels (less so with Base 2) a vigorous epithelial outgrowth was seen from small limbal explants and a confluent epithelial layer was achieved in vitro within 6 days. The data support the development of hydrogels specific for epithelial formation.