An apparatus includes an optical transmission unit (1) which irradiates a subject (7) to be examined with light containing a specific wavelength component, an electroacoustic conversion unit (23) which receives acoustic waves generated inside the subject (7) by the light radiated by the optical transmission unit (1) and converts them into electrical signals, an image data generating unit (2) which generates first image data on the basis of the reception signals obtained by the electroacoustic conversion unit (23), an electroacoustic conversion unit (23) which receives ultrasonic reflection signals obtained by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject (7) and converts them into electrical signals, an image data generating unit (2) which generates second image data on the basis of the reception signals obtained by the electroacoustic conversion unit (23), and a display unit (6) which combines the first and second image data and displays the resultant data.
