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
Updated 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.
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.
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.
A science communication interview at Naukas Murcia. Video from Voptica’s channel.
Watch on YouTube (Opens in a new tab)A blog of articles and reflections on science, universities and society. It shares its title with my essay collection. Spanish-language archive.
Read the blog ↗ (Opens in a new tab)Optics, science and vision. English-language archive.
Read the blog ↗ (Opens in a new tab)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
Distinguished Service Diploma · Region of Murcia
Edgar D. Tillyer Award · OSA
“Juan de la Cierva” National Research Award
Rey Jaime I Award for New Technologies
Edwin H. Land Medal · OSA
Fellow 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.
(Opens in a new tab)SCIENCE FOR EVERYONE · ENGLISH & SPANISH
A guide to understanding the diagnosis, the options and the questions worth asking.
Discover the book (Opens in a new tab)
(Opens in a new tab)ESSAYS · SPANISH ONLY
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 (Opens in a new tab)
(Opens in a new tab)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 (Opens in a new tab)
MY FIRST COLLECTION · IN SPANISH
My first collection of articles published in the Spanish newspaper La Verdad. The book is in Spanish.
My columns in La Verdad (Opens in a new tab)CONSULTANCY, 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 awards ↗Resources for organisers and media ↗A lecture in the series “Science in your life: from the laboratory to society”.
Watch on YouTube (Opens in a new tab)A presentation on the optical design of ArtIOLs intraocular lenses. Video from Voptica’s channel.
Watch on YouTube (Opens in a new tab)Choose an enquiry type to start an email.
EXPLORE FURTHER
CONTACT
You can also email me directly with a brief description of your proposal.
info@pabloartal.com