An alternative that I like to use in the lab is squinting and holding the sample really close to my face. Perhaps they used my method if the bugs weren't big enough?
For sure, I just like posting stupid things on memes.
I think your lab needs to get you a giant magnifying glass with a light so your squinting days can continue. They're super nice for things that can't go under a microscope. So far I've been lucky myself, but many of my colleagues my age experience the same problem. Some day I would like to get a macro camera so I can just show them pictures.
Not to mention that some insects even have a bit of contrast between the lenses so it's easier to understand they are compounded.
And additionally due to individual lenses compounded eyes arent smooth - by reflecting light at different angles you can make the "bumps" obvious.
Also if there is like a water droplet on grasshoppers eyes you can clearly see it's surface structure. Just like you can see individual pixels on your (high dpi phone?) screen the same way.