A method and apparatus for scanning a surface of an optical disk which has signal recording pits or bumps covered with a transparent layer, with a flying spot to detect surface defects of the optical disk surface. The optical disk is rotated at a constant speed of rotation and scanned along a scanning line parallel to but spaced at least 10 mm from a line radial to the center of rotation of the optical disk. A light-detecting unit receives diffused light reflected by the disk surface to provide an output corresponding to the intensity of the diffused light and converts it into an electric output which is used to evaluate the surface of the optical disk.