Optical speculum

A system for direct imaging and diagnosing of abnormal cells in a target tissue, comprising:

• a disposable optical speculum;
• and
• an image acquisition system having the speculum assembled on and mechanically secured thereto, the image acquisition system arranged to capture at least one of a single image or multiple images or video of cells within the target tissue using at least one of bright field or dark field ring illumination divided into independently operated segments to obtain a plurality of data sets;
• and
• an image analysis and control unit in communication with the image acquisition system, the image analysis and control unit analyzing the data sets and applying algorithms to the data sets for diagnosing abnormal cells;
• wherein the image acquisition system comprises one of a single or dual sensor imaging system with color and monochrome CMOS or CCD, and an illumination system based on one of LEDs or laser diode (LD), further wherein the illumination system comprises bright field illumination, dark field external ring illumination, and one of a UV LED source for fluorescence or autofluorescence or a multi-spectral source.