An ocular implantation device comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis, a needle configured to receive an implant, and a plunger and a rod operatively coupled together. The plunger and the rod are disposed in the housing and are collectively, translationally moveable along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The rod is configured to be receivable within at least a portion of the needle to enable the rod to move the implant therethrough. An actuator is operatively engaged with the plunger such that movement of the actuator in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing results in the translational movement of the plunger and the rod along the longitudinal axis of the housing in order to deliver the implant through the needle to a target site. An alternative embodiment of an ocular implantation device uses a retractable needle to deliver an implant.
