Abstract: A system and method for using an optical sensor with the display of a mobile electronic device for providing and synchronizing a high power flash device with the mobile electronic device's integrated camera. The system and method features a flash unit subsystem that comprises an optical sensor, a controller, and a flash device that works in conjunction with a management system installed onto the mobile electronic device. The management system controls whether the flash device turns off or on by causing a select portion of the display of the mobile electronic device to brighten or dim, the change in intensity of which is sensed by the optical sensor. The system is substantially synchronized in that the flash device turns on slightly before the image capture process begins and turns off slightly after the image capture process ends.