Disclosed herein are imaging systems and methods for simultaneous near-infrared light and visible light imaging of a sample comprising: a detector to form a fluorescence image of the sample and a visible image of the sample； a light source configured to emit infrared light to induce fluorescence from the sample； and a plurality of optics arranged to direct the infrared light toward the sample and form the fluorescence image of the sample and the visible light image of the sample on the detector, wherein the infrared light is directed to the sample substantially coaxially with fluorescence light received from the sample in order to decrease shadows.
