The use of amniotic membrane in ophthalmic surgery has been shown to provide an alternative for corneal and conjunctival reconstruction in many clinically challenging situations. It has without doubt provided an option where previously none existed in some conditions. Nevertheless, it is has its limitations and is not universally successful for every indication. The indications for its use are ever increasing, often on anecdotal evidence. In some instances where it is successfully used, existing and at times simpler options are equally effective. The collective global experience with the membrane is now vast, and the field should now move into proper randomized controlled studies to evaluate its true potential.