A device and method for use thereof to illuminate a visual system of a subject includes a light-transforming optical element configured to transform a substantially collimated beam of light into light having a diverging spatial distribution. Optionally, light having such spatial distribution includes a plurality of diverging beams of light. An imaging system mechanically cooperated with the light-transforming optical element is configured such as to form an image of the light-transforming optical element at an image surface associated with the eye that is distant from the retina. The irradiance level at the image surface exceeds that at the retina. Optionally, the image surface adjoins or includes the cornea. The imaging system may include an optical system containing refractive and/or reflective optical elements.
