Abstract: An optical scanning wand is disclosed that provides improved illumination of the document scanned and improved visual control of the movement of the wand. The wand comprises a handle having a hollow tip disposed at an oblique angle thereto. The tip has a scanning window opening at its distal end that defines the target zone through which the image being scanned should pass. In one embodiment light is directed to the document through the transparent tip. In another embodiment the light is directed toward the document by optical fibers from a light source located behind the wand's light sensor and the tip is cut away to provide viewing window openings.