Abstract: An optical scanning device for scanning optical record carriers having cover layers of different thicknesses. The scanning device has a first mode for scanning a first optical record carrier, a second mode for scanning a second optical record carrier and a third mode for scanning third optical record carrier. The device comprises an objective lens system and a switchable optical element having a first discrete state and a different, second discrete state. The element comprises: a fluid system including a first fluid and a different, second fluid (19); a wavefront modifier (17); and a fluid system switch for acting on the fluid system to switch between the first and second discrete states of the element. When the element is in the first discrete state, the wavefront modifier (17) is substantially covered by the first fluid, and when the element is in the second discrete state, the wavefront modifier (17) is substantially covered by the second fluid (19).