An optical device magnification level reader includes a base configured for attachment to an optical device, such as a microscope, where the base supports other components of the reader including a support arm and an electronic scanner. At least two indicia elements are positioned at different locations along the microscope. The different locations correspond to different respective magnification levels of the microscope. The electronic scanner is coupled to the base via the support arm, and is repositionable relative to the base and indicia elements to achieve proper alignment. The electronic scanner is in electronic communication with a computer associated with the microscope and is operable to detect the indicia element that corresponds to a current selected magnification level of the microscope, so that the electronic scanner is operable to send to the computer a signal indicative of the selected magnification level.