Ocular

Also known as: Eyepiece

An ocular is the optical element through which the observer looks when viewing a stereoview. In a stereoscope, two oculars contain the lenses and are positioned between the observer’s eyes and the stereoview.

If the distance between the oculars and the stereoview can be adjusted, the instrument provides focusing. If the distance between the two oculars can be adjusted, the instrument allows compensation for the interpupillary distance (inter-ocular adjustment).

The most effective viewing conditions are provided by stereoscopes that support both lens focusing and inter-ocular adjustment.