Outlined in this thesis is the design of a prototype device for the inspection of optical fibre endfaces. The device designed uses lenses with different magnification’s to acquire scaled microscopic images of the endfaces for analysis purposes. The design specifications for the device are established based on the optical transmission requirements of the fibres and the impact of defects on transmission losses in various regions of the optical fibre endface. The specifications of this device are as follows: • Optical System o 3 lens automated changeover • Imaging System: o Minimum Resolvable Object Size of 2.43j.im o Maximum Field of View of 0.9mm o Resolution of 740 X 560 pixels • Autofocus System with Focus Resolution of 1.25pm • Coaxial Illumination System • 12Mbits/sec USB video acquisition hardware The device designed realises all the mechanical, optical and electronic functionality required to automate the inspection process of optical fibres. The hardware and software challenges involved in designing and building the prototype are discussed in detail in the thesis. A complete evaluation of the design is also carried out, difficulties and problems that occurred with the project are analysed, and recommendations for the improvement of the design are made.