Abstract: A switchable window apparatus capable of being placed in a transparent condition in which light passes through the window unobstructed, and in an obstructed condition in which light passing through the window is obstructed by an optical element in the window. The switchable window apparatus is placed in the transparent state by contacting a lens element with a material of matching refractive index, and placed in the obstructed state by contacting the lens element with a material with a non-matching refractive index.