An apparatus for optically inspecting an at least partially reflecting surface of an object includes first and second transverse carriers (12, 14) defining respective substantially circular segment-shaped cutouts (32). The transverse carriers (12, 14) are disposed at a longitudinal distance (D) from one another and the longitudinal distance (D) defines a longitudinal direction (17). A plurality of longitudinal members are configured to hold the first and second transverse carriers at the longitudinal distance (D). The longitudinal members are arranged at a defined radial distance to the circular segment-shaped cutouts. A translucent diffusing screen is held in the circular segment-shaped cutouts by the transverse carriers to form a tunnel-shaped inspection space. A multiplicity of light sources are arranged outside of the tunnel-shaped inspection space behind the diffusing screen. The light sources are configured to be controlled individually or in small groups to generate variable light-dark patterns on the diffusing screen. A workpiece receptacle is configured for accommodating the object in the tunnel-shaped inspection space. At least one camera is directed into the tunnel-shaped inspection space. An evaluation and control unit is configured to control the light sources and the camera to generate various light-dark patterns on the diffusing screen and to record and evaluate a plurality of images of the object in dependence on the light-dark patterns.