Device and method for optical imaging of retinal function

A method for stimulating a functional signal in a retina comprising the steps of:

• a. recording a baseline retinal response wherein the recording comprises transmitting light through a sclera;
• b. applying a stimulus to the retina during a stimulus phase;
• c. recording a retinal response during the stimulus phase wherein the recording comprises transmitting light through a sclera;
• and
• d. computing a relationship of the baseline response to the stimulus response by analyzing a captured retinal image frame, the captured retinal image frame comprising the recorded stimulus response, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells.

A system for the functional imaging of a retina, comprising:

• a. a means for stimulating the retina;
• b. a means for interrogating a retinal response to the stimulation means wherein the means for interrogating the retina comprises a means for illuminating the retina via transcleral illumination;
• c. a means for detecting a reflection of light from the retina resultant from the interrogating means;
• and
• d. a means for analyzing the light detected by the detector, the light comprising a retinal image frame, and extracting a signal that corresponds to stimulus-evoked activity of a specific class of retinal cells thereby determining a relationship of a baseline response to the stimulation source.