The present disclosure is directed to a method of detecting a molecule attached to a surface comprising detecting a bead attached to the molecule. The method may be used for the detection of single molecules and the surface shape may be adapted to receive beads. The disclosure further describes an apparatus for detecting the presence of a molecule having a bead attached thereto comprising a surface adapted to detect a bead wherein the shape of the surface is configured to receive and retain a bead. Kits comprising the apparatus are provided and a use of the apparatus for detecting a bead or a molecule attached thereto is also described.