1. A method of providing composite optical images to an eye or eyes of an observer wherein the composite optical images are comprised of first component optical images of an object or source along with second component optical images that are to be displayed in relationship to the first component optical images, the method comprising: (a) directing first component optical images along a first optical path to a first beam splitter; (b) directing the first component optical images along second and third optical paths from the first beam splitter to the eye or eyes of the observer and to a first image capture device, respectively; (c) producing first electronic data corresponding to the first component optical images captured by the first image capture device and using said first electronic data in combination with other data to provide second electronic data; (d) providing said second electronic data to an electronic image display device to provide second component optical images which are directed along a fourth optical path onto a second beam splitter; (e) directing the second component optical images along at least a fifth optical path that extends from the second beam splitter to the eye or eyes of the observer wherein the fifth optical path and second optical path at least partially overlap.