A phase correction element comprising a first phase correction layer formed in a region of numerical aperture NA.sub.2, and a first phase plate; the first phase correction layer comprising a concavo-convex portion having a rotational symmetry with respect to the optical axis of incident light and having a cross-sectional shape of a saw-tooth-form or a saw-tooth-form whose convex portions are each approximated by a step form; the first phase plate generating a birefringent phase difference of about an odd number times of .pi./2 for linearly polarized light of .lamda..sub.1; and the phase correction element that does change a transmitted wavefront of .lamda..sub.1 and changing a transmitted wavefront of the .lamda..sub.2 or transmitted wavefront of both wavelengths of .lamda..sub.2 and .lamda..sub.3 when three types of incident light at .lamda..sub.1=410 nm, .lamda..sub.2=650 nm and .lamda..sub.3=780 nm respectively, are incident.