An implantable lead, and method of manufacturing same, and a system and method for stimulation. The lead has proximal and distal ends having, respectively, a connector portion with a terminal and an electrode. An optically switched device is electrically connected to the electrode and to the terminal. An optical fiber is optically coupled to the connector portion at one end and to the optically switched device at another end. The optically switched device conducts a stimulus from the terminal to the electrode in response to an optical signal transmitted over the optical fiber.