Crossword Genius

Old images inspire scientist's last study of vision (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

optics

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'study of vision' is the definition.
'optics' can be an answer for 'study' (optics is a kind of study). I am not sure about the 'of vision' bit.

'old images inspire scientist's last' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'old' could be 'o' (common abbreviation eg in OE for Old English) and 'o' is found in the answer.
'last' could be 't' (I've seen this in other clues) and 't' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'pics' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for optics that I've seen before include "Science of vision/light" , "Organs of sight, eyes" , "Science concerned with vision" , "Spirit measures" , "Field of vision?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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