and the unique material behaviors that give rise to these characteristics are current topics of interest highlighted in this essay. From the graded index of the fish-eye to the hyper-acuity of the compound eye, nature has provided function with amazing simplicity. Bio-inspired optical systems have the potential to transform the process of image collection and analysis. (L. J. Buckley et al., September 16, Adv. Mater. 2002, 14, 1261-1264)