Flicker fusion frequency (FFF), the threshold criterion of flicker perimetry, is a functional parameter of the temporal transfer properties of the visual system. An automated flicker perimeter suitable for clinical routine purposes is presented that allows perimetric examination of the central visual field with high spatial resolution. The intent of the present study was to investigate the outcome of flicker perimetry in comparison to static light-sense perimetry. In the majority of cases of ocular hypertension and suspected glaucoma (n = 31), chronic open-angle glaucoma (n = 36) and acute neuritis/papillitis (n = 10) defects are indicated by flicker perimetry in areas of the visual field with normal light sensitivity according to static light-sense perimetry (Octopus 201, program G 1). In many cases of preproliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 10), however, flicker perimetry indicates fewer defects than static perimetry (Octopus 201, program 32). The results collected up to now suggest that automated flicker perimetry might represent a specific functional test of the retinal Y-ganglion cells.