An optical measurement device and method are presented for use in
non-invasive measurements on a patient's body. The device comprises an
illumination assembly configured and operable to generate illuminating
light of a predetermined wavelength range; a detection assembly; and a
light directing assembly. The detection assembly comprises a first
detector unit for detecting a first light signal transmitted through an
illuminated body portion and generating first measured data indicative of
the detected transmitted light, and a second detector unit for detecting
a second light signal reflected from the illuminated body portion and
generating second measured data indicative of the detected reflected
light. The light directing assembly comprises a light diffuser for
scattering back light incident thereto, to thereby direct the
illuminating light or the light coming from the body portion back towards
the body portion. This technique provides for increasing the amount of
light reaching a region of interest inside the body portion and
maximizing homogeneity of the first and second detected light signals.