Flicker perimetry measures the function of retina by stimulating it using flickering light. It has three test modes:contrast modulation flicker, critical flicker fusion frequency and luminance pedestal flicker. These 3 modes have their own characteristics. Flicker perimetry shows a higher sensitivity than white-white standard automated perimetry in early diagnosis of glaucoma. It also has advantages in the diagnosis for age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases. With further understanding of the flicker perimetry, its clinical application will gradually expand. In this paper, the basic principle and clinical application are reviewed.