a variable focus liquid lens is formed using two substrates with at least two through holes in at least one of the substrates . one end of each through hole is covered with a distensible membrane , one on the exterior surface of the substrate and the other on the interior surface . the substrates are sealed about the periphery to form a chamber and the chamber is filled with a liquid material . when pressure is applied to the membrane the liquid in the chamber is redistributed to form the lens . the variable focus liquid - filled lens is formed by providing a first and second substrate , forming at least two through holes in at least one of the first and second substrate , sealing one end of each of the at least two holes with a flexible transparent membrane , and sandwiching a liquid in a chamber formed between the first and second substrate .