An optical instrument is a device that uses light to enhance human vision or to analyze light properties. Common examples include microscopes, which magnify small objects, and telescopes, which allow us to observe distant celestial bodies. These instruments can be simple, like a magnifying glass, or complex, like spectrometers, which measure light spectra. Optical instruments work by manipulating light through lenses, mirrors, or prisms. They can focus, magnify, or disperse light to create images or gather information. These tools are essential in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and photography, helping us explore and understand the world around us.