Display device with varifocal optical assembly

A method of transmitting light, the method comprising:

• transmitting light through an optical stack having a plurality of optical stages, a respective optical stage of the plurality of optical stages including an active optical element that is configurable to be in a first state at a first time and in a second state at a second time distinct from the first time;
• adjusting a focal length of the optical stack by changing respective states of respective active optical elements of one or more optical stages of the plurality of optical stages, wherein:
• the active optical element, in the first state, has a first respective optical power for light of a first polarization and a second respective optical power, different from the first respective optical power, for light of a second polarization that is orthogonal to the first polarization;
• and
• the active optical element, in the second state, has a third respective optical power for light of the first polarization and light of the second polarization.