PHYSICIST · RESEARCHER · AUTHOR
Research, technology and a life sharing science.
Understanding the optics
of the eye and vision.
I am Professor of Optics at the University of Murcia in Spain. My work connects research into how we see with developing technology, lecturing, writing and public conversation.
NOW · 2026
Research focus and recent results · October 2026
In 2026, I am working with my group on infrared vision through two-photon absorption and the optical mechanisms of myopia. I continue to develop ArtIOLs intraocular lenses together with Voptica, and we are investigating how to improve the eye’s peripheral optics.
At the same time, we maintain active research lines in instrumentation development, adaptive optics and the study of accommodation. Our aim is to connect basic research with tools and solutions that enable better assessment and correction of vision.
I combine these activities with writing and science communication, both through books for general readers and through the second edition of the Handbook of Visual Optics.
Stiles-Crawford effect in infrared two-photon visionTwo-photon infrared vision · Biomedical Optics Express, 2026.
Impact of Myopia Control Spectacles on Retinal Image ContrastImage quality with myopia-control spectacles · IOVS, 2026.
A PLACE TO CONNECT
Find your way to my projects, publications and conversations.
Studying the optics of the eye to understand vision. My scientific work spans visual and adaptive optics, image quality, and technologies to investigate and correct the limitations of human vision.
My international collaborations include Central South University and Aier Eye Hospitals in China.
The PDF lists 341 journal entries from 1987–2026. Scholar and the university catalogue have different coverage and may also include other document types.
Taking ideas from the laboratory into practical applications. I am a co-founder of Voptica, a company developing optical technologies for ophthalmology.
I developed VAO (Visual Adaptive Optics), an adaptive optics system for assessing vision and simulating different optical solutions.
I am the inventor of ArtIOLs intraocular lenses, developed by Voptica.
Sharing science is part of doing science. Books, articles, interviews and reflections on vision, research and their place in society.
Understanding science opens the way to new inventions and applications.
An interview published by the BBVA Foundation.
Watch on YouTubeAlmost my best research intern.
Do not resist.
The end of scientific publishing?
Dates retain the precision available in the original source: day, month or year.
COLUMNS AND ARTICLES · IN SPANISH
AWARDS AND HONOURS
Awards and honours for my work in optics, vision and innovation.
Medal of the Royal Spanish Society of Physics
Scientific recognitionDistinguished Service Diploma · Region of Murcia
Regional distinctionEdgar D. Tillyer Award · OSA
Scientific recognition“Juan de la Cierva” National Research Award
Scientific recognitionRey Jaime I Award for New Technologies
Scientific recognitionEdwin H. Land Medal · OSA
Scientific recognitionFellow of Optica (formerly OSA), the European Optical Society (EOS), SPIE and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).
In 2013, I received an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC). I have also received funding for numerous research projects from Spanish and international organisations, totalling more than €20 million.
BOOKS AND WRITING
I write to make complex ideas accessible to curious readers, combining scientific rigour with a personal perspective.
Two volumes, the same curiosity. Explore the Visión de lejos series.
Browse Pablo Artal’s titles at Barnes & Noble
NEW BOOK · VOLUME II
Approximate English title: “Distant Vision II: Keep Looking”.
The continuation of Visión de lejos: sixty new columns published in La Verdad between 2023 and 2025, on science, artificial intelligence, university life and everyday experience. A new collection that can be read independently.
Spanish edition · Ebook and hardcover
Explore the book
SCIENCE FOR EVERYONE · ENGLISH & SPANISH
A guide to understanding the diagnosis, the options and the questions worth asking.
VISIÓN DE LEJOS SERIES · VOLUME I
Approximate English title: “Distant Vision I: Looking with Perspective”.
An essay collection on science, university life and the world around us; distinct from the blog of the same name. Available in Spanish only.
Discover the book
VISUAL OPTICS · TWO VOLUMES
I am the editor of the Handbook of Visual Optics: first edition in 2017 and second edition, in two volumes, in 2026.
Explore the second edition
MY FIRST COLLECTION · IN SPANISH
Approximate English title: “Vision at All Distances”.
My first collection of articles published in the Spanish newspaper La Verdad. The book is in Spanish.
My columns in La VerdadCONSULTANCY, TALKS AND COLLABORATION
If you are looking for scientific advice, a talk for your organisation or a research collaboration, tell me what you have in mind.
For more than 30 years, I have provided consultancy services to numerous international companies in ophthalmic optics and ophthalmology.
My consultancy focuses on scientific and technology projects. I do not provide individual clinical advice to patients.
Talk topics: how we see; adaptive optics and new technologies for vision; from research to ophthalmic innovation.
Background and awardsResources for organisers and mediaThe links below open your email app with a prepared message. You can also copy the address and write from your webmail.
EXPLORE FURTHER
CONTACT
You can also email me directly with a brief description of your proposal.
info@pabloartal.com