Virtual optics

Virtual optics refers to the perception of an image that appears to be located behind or within a lens or optical device, rather than directly on a surface. This occurs when a lens bends light rays so they seem to originate from a different point, creating a perceived image that the brain interprets as being in a different position. For example, in eyeglasses or microscopes, the image you see is a virtual image—it's formed by light rays converging behind the lens, giving the impression of depth or distance without actual physical projection onto a surface.