The invention is a retinal implant device to stimulate a retina of an eye thereby producing a specific effect in the eye, such as a vision or drug treatment of a chronic condition. The retinal device is made of a retinal implant that is positioned subretinally and that contains a multitude of stimulation sites that are in contact with the retina. A connection carries a stimulating electrical signal or a drug. The connection passes transretinally through the retina and into a vitreous cavity of the eye, thereby minimizing damage to a nutrient-rich choroid. A lead is attached to a source of drugs or electrical energy, which is located outside the eye. The lead passes through a sclera at a point near a front of the eye to avoid damage to the retina.