Westheimer proposed that the increase in detectability with surround illumination might represent the manifestation of lateral inhibition within the retina,[8] and this possibility motivated Teller's interest in the phenomenon.

In the early 1970s, following the birth of her children, Davida Teller began her studies of infant visual development that were to be the main topic of her research for the remainder of her career.

The FPL technique, which has also been applied to infant monkeys,[10] has produced a wealth of information about normal and abnormal visual development.

A major theme underlying Davida Teller's research was the nature of the relationship between visual phenomena and their neural underpinnings.

"[15] Teller formalized her thinking on this topic in publications that described “linking propositions,” i.e. assumptions about the relationship between perceptual and physiological states.

[16] In her article "Linking Propositions," Teller (1984) severely criticized the casual use of such assumptions, discussing logical problems including lack of face validity.

Surprisingly, perhaps, many, if not all, of the propositions flagged by Teller continue to form the basis of data interpretation in psychophysics today[citation needed].

Beginning with her graduate student years in Berkeley, California, Davida Teller was a strong supporter of, and model for, the role of women in science and academia.

[17] This award is presented annually to a woman who has made exceptional contributions to the field of vision science and who has a strong history of mentoring.