An optical disc reader comprising a controller that controls a read operation to read data recorded on an optical disc and a counter that counts the number of zero crossings in a tracking error signal. Between the completion of focusing operation and the start of tracking operation, the controller determines whether or not the light beam is properly focused on a data recording layer in the optical disc based on the number of zero crossings in the tracking error signal counted by the counter. If it is determined that the light beam is not properly focused, the controller causes the focusing operation to be performed again. Otherwise, if it is determined that the light beam is properly focused on the data recording layer, the controller causes the tracking operation to be performed and then starts the read operation.