Abstract: Disclosed is a handheld laser-based perfusion imaging apparatus having a light source and an imaging device which are arranged in a fixed orientation to each other in the apparatus. The light source is configured for projecting a beam of coherent light onto a measurement field at a predetermined distance spaced apart from the apparatus. The imaging device is configured for recording speckle intensity maps of the measurement field and/or images of Doppler shifted light of the measurement field. The light source is configured to provide a substantially spherical wavefront or a substantial planar wavefront, at least at the measurement field. Preferably, the apparatus with the light source that provides a substantial planar wavefront, including a gimbal mount. Also disclosed is a method for measuring a perfusion in a tissue using the handheld laser-based perfusion imaging apparatus as described above.