When coupled with the Fankhauser slit-lamp delivery system and fundus contact lens, the optical radiation photocoagulator provides a xenon source with outstanding image quality in the central and peripheral fundus. This photocoagulation system can produce small, timed retinal lesions that can be precisely placed even in the perimacular area. Clinically, these lesions are indistinguishable from those created by a similarly modified Zeiss xenon photocoagulator. The optical radiation unit has successfully treated senile retinoschisis, von Hippel angioma, exudative diabetic retinopathy, subretinal neovascularization, and proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. Although it seems less powerful than the Zeiss photocoagulator, it is less bulky, relatively low priced, and generates little ozone. We believe the optical radiation unit, when coupled with a slit-lamp delivery system, represents a valid system for the photocoagulative treatment of retinal disease.