Through significant technological advances, optical techniques have been playing an ever-increasing role in the study and treatment of issues related to life sciences ranging from molecular-level investigation to clinical treatment of patients. In this OSA Congress, the latest advances in molecular probe development, life science imaging, novel and more powerful optical instrumentation and its application to study fundamental biological processes and clinical investigations will be presented. This progress in instrumentation development and its rapid application represents important enablers that permit studies not possible a few years ago.