A hypodermic needle device (10) includes a hypodermic needle (1) having a tubular bore and at least one optical waveguide (12, 15) extending along said needle so that a distal end of the at least one optical waveguide is in proximity to a tip of the needle. A first coupler (25) secures the optical waveguide within the needle at the proximal end of the needle, and a second coupler (27) removably secures a proximal end of the optical waveguide to a respective illumination source (14) in order that light will emanate from the distal end of the at least one optical waveguide. The second coupler (27) contains a lens for focusing light from the illumination source through the at least one optical waveguide (12, 15), and the second coupler (27) is remote from the first coupler (25).
