A handheld implantation device for implantation of a retinal tissue implant at an implantation site. The handheld implantation device includes a handheld implantation tool having a leading implantation tool end and a trailing implantation tool end, an implant holder for peripherally holding a retinal tissue implant including an uppermost viable retinal tissue and a lowermost basement membrane and a clinician-operated attachment arrangement for initial attaching the implant holder at the leading implantation tool end and subsequent selected detaching the implant holder therefrom at the implantation site for implantation of the implant holder together with the retinal tissue implant thereat.