Acts as a transcriptional regulator (By similarity). Plays a significant role in the specification and morphogenesis of the sensory retina (By similarity). Mediates differentiation of V2a interneurons by repression of motor neuron gene transcription, via competitively binding to response elements that are activated by the ISL1-LHX3 complex (PubMed:27477290). May also participate in the development of the cells of the inner nuclear layer, particularly bipolar cells (By similarity). Retina and spinal cord. Expressed throughout the invaginating optic vesicles at stage 12, and uniformly throughout the neural retina from stage 14 to stage 18. Expressed in the spinal cord from stage 15 to stage 20. Belongs to the paired homeobox family.