The dissecting microscope is configured to permit low magnification of three-dimensional objects. These can be objects that are bigger or thicker than the compound microscope may possibly hold. Moreover, the two separate lenses of the binocular dissecting microscope permit the observer to view the objects in three dimensions like the one seen in stereo. Dissecting microscopes never magnify to the level of compound microscopes.
Dissecting microscopes use two types of light, the one from incident light also known as the direct illumination or from transmitted light. Opaque objects positioned on the microscope stage can be straightly lighted with incident light from an illuminator. In this manner the illuminator can be prepared in an aperture in the arm of the microscope, or in an adapter ring connected to a separate illuminator base or the transformer. On the other hand, light from a source such as a lamp can be mirrored through a translucent object from beneath utilizing the substage mirror. This technique of lighting needs the clear glass in the microscope stage. Nonetheless, in various occurrences the opaque stage that has a white side and a black side, and direct lighting is most regularly utilized.

There are ways of caring the dissecting microscope. First, at all times carry the microscope with both hands. Such procedures aid in the avoidance of event such as bumping and dropping accidents that jar lenses out of alignment. Hold the microscope arm with one hand and sustain the microscope underneath the base with the other hand. Take off the dust cover and place it inside the microscope cabinet. Acquire an appropriate specimen or object to see, and place it in a superficial container on the stage. Situate the illuminator close to the microscope directing the beam at the specimen, and switch it on. Numerous illuminators have rheostats to permit regulation of the intensity of the light. Never use more light than the one needed, as the image quality will corrupt. Fine-tune the magnification to its lowest power with the magnification knob on the top or side of the body of the microscope. Regulate the interpupillary gap of the ocular lenses. Watch through the ocular lenses. If an image is seen, no adjustment is needed. If two or more images or mostly black color is viewed, the distance between the ocular tubes needs to be adjusted until only one image can be seen. The viewer or the observer might necessarily move his or her eyes nearer to or farther away from the ocular lenses so that the image of the specimen fills the lenses.

There might be a need to regulate the ocular lenses distantly or closer to each other depending on the type of focus that is required to view the specimen. The observer must focus on the specimen. Such is a two-step technique. The first step states that the focusing is done roughly on the specimen with the objective lens. The second step says that the observer must balance the differences in strength between the eyes to acquire the sharpest image possible.
In focusing roughly, the observer must lower the microscope body to its lowest point with the focusing knob on the sides of the microscope arm. Utilize the focus knob to lift the microscope body until the specimen image is at its sharpest.

Recompense for every differences in strength between the eyes of the viewer. In case of microscope having diopter adjustment rings on the right ocular tube, the viewer must begin with the left eye closed. Regulate the diopter adjustment ring until the image is in focus for the right eye. The observer may want to turn the ring back and forth or in and out of focus several times until he or she is sure that the most excellent focus is achieved. In case the magnification is altered, the observer may want to regulate the focus once more.

After operating on the microscope, the illuminator must be switched off. Unplug it and slightly drape the cord surrounding it and place the microscope inside the cabinet. The microscope stage must be cleaned. This is crucial especially when the observer has viewed marine specimens or has utilized corrosive chemicals in the laboratory work. The body of the microscope must be lowered all the way down. The dust cover needs to be replaced. Lastly, return the microscope to the cabinet with both hands.