Optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems using a polarization switch and/or a polarization beam splitter are generally described. In an example, an OCT system includes a light source configured to emit a beam and an interferometer configured to receive the beam. The interferometer includes a reference path and an interferometer sample path. The OCT system further includes a polarization switch configured to selectively change a polarization state of the beam and a lens system that includes a first sample path and a second sample path. The polarization switch is further configured to direct the beam onto the first sample path upon selection of a first polarization state and to direct the beam onto the second sample path upon selection of a second polarization state that is different from the first polarization state.