From optica.org:

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.

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. Cumulatively, the meetings in this congress bring together leaders in the field whose contributions are significantly advancing the state of the art in biological and medical research through the use of optical technologies.