Systems and methods for observing and recording retinal irregularities are disclosed. A method according to the invention includes illuminating a viewing area with a steady light, illuminating the viewing area with a flash pattern, and enabling a user to observe, by looking at the illuminated viewing area, a visual representation of the existence of a retinal irregularity. The viewing area is illuminated with the steady light and flash pattern such that the user can identify in the viewing area a visual abnormality that is indicative of the retinal irregularity. The user can provide a description of the visual representation, which can be forwarded to a caregiver for analysis.