A display apparatus 200, a display controller 222, and a method for optimizing a displayed image for use in an electronic device 100 comprising a display 208 for presenting a visual image, a processor 212 for determining the intensity of a backlight 216 used for illuminating the display 208 and a controller 202 that optimizes the visual image corresponding to the intensity of the backlight 216 are described. As the intensity of the backlight 216 is reduced, the brightness of the pixels 210 is increased to compensate the image when, for example, the backlight intensity is reduced to save power. The method and apparatus are also described for compensating for uneven backlight 216 conditions.