An articulating optical surgical probe includes a handle sized to fit in a single hand and a single rigid cannula extending from the handle having a diameter of 20 Ga or less. The probe further includes a slotted tip at a distal end of the cannula and at least one optical fiber extending through the handle, the single rigid cannula and the slotted tip, and a pull-wire secured to the slotted tip. When the pull-wire exerts tension on the slotted tip, the slotted tip will deviate from straight to a bend angle controlled by the tension in the pull-wire. The slotted tip is formed from a resilient material that will restore to the straight position when the tension exerted by the pull-wire is released.