An optical imaging assembly is provided, having an optical axis; an object axis defined by an object being imaged; an aperture stop disposed on the optical axis; a light-transmissive sleeve enclosing the object axis, being disposed in object space defined by the object axis; and at least three refractive lens elements being arranged between the object and the aperture stop without any other intervening optical component, at least one of the elements having surfaces having at least one of cylindrical and acylindrical prescription, with an image plane, wherein the object being imaged lies within the sleeve.