Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an endoscope including: an elongate shaft body; an optical scope provided within the elongate shaft body, the optical scope comprising an optical aperture provided at the distal end of the optical scope, corresponding to a distal end of the elongate shaft body; an aperture cover provided at the distal end of the elongate shaft body for shielding the optical aperture from debris external to the elongate shaft body; and an actuation system provided at a proximal end of the elongate shaft body; wherein the actuation system drives the aperture cover to rotate.