Abstract: An electrowetting optical element, having a first electrode layer stack and a second electrode layer stack. Each layer stack has an electrode for applying a voltage to the electrodes for rearranging polar liquid relative to non-polar liquid. A containment space is formed between the first and second electrode layer stack. One or more cell walls extend between the electrode stacks for defining sides of the containment space forming cells. The electrowetting optical element further includes a retroreflective layer for reflecting incident light back through the element.