Methods and apparatus are provided for adaptively focusing a lens. In one approach, electromagnetic energy is employed to modify a shape or thickness of a lens such that its refractive power and focal length are modified. In one aspect, a lens embodying adaptive focus features requires low power, and can be adjusted quickly. One or a plurality of electromagnets can be employed to compress or separate end portions of an embedded haptic, the force from which acts to alter the shape of the haptic, thus modifying the refractive power and focal length of a lens.