Visions of Life: Evolution, Perception, and the Future of Se
Visions of Life: Evolution, Perception, and the Future of Seeing
by Chandrashekhar Chawan
From the first flicker of light-sensitive cells in ancient seas to the breathtaking possibilities of artificial and augmented vision, Visions of Life takes readers on a sweeping journey through the science, wonder, and philosophy of sight.
In this richly illustrated and deeply researched book, Dr. Chandrashekhar Chawan — a globally recognized optometrist, ocularist, and vision scientist — unravels the mysteries of how eyes evolved across species, how humans perceive and process the visual world, and how light shapes both biology and consciousness.
Across 39 chapters, the book explores:
The evolution of eyes in insects, fish, birds, reptiles, and humans.
The mechanics of human vision, from retina to brain.
Illusions, dreaming, visualization, and the “mind’s eye.”
Photobiomodulation and modern therapies for eye health.
The future of vision — bionic eyes, AI, brain–computer interfaces, and augmented reality.
Blending biology, neuroscience, technology, and philosophy, Visions of Life is both a scientific exploration and a celebration of the human spirit — reminding us that to see is not only to survive, but to imagine, create, and thrive.