Apparatus and method for optical imaging

An optical apparatus to allow multiple fields of view in respect of an area of interest to be captured simultaneously. The apparatus has an optical input and an image sensor 24 defining a principle optical axis, wherein the input has a first optical unit and a plurality of focusing lenses lens0-lens5. The unit has a plurality of optical elements, at least one which is a refractive element such as a right angled prism lens (12, 14, 18 & 20, fig 3A) for refracting an optical beam through 90° and some may be cubic lenses (16, fig 3B). Each focusing lens is associated with a respective optical element to direct light onto the element. The focusing lens associated with the refractive element is configured to direct an optical beam onto the element at 90° to the principle optical axis, such that the refracted optical beam is parallel to the principle optical axis.