We have begun a new program that exploits optics as a tool for exploring complex forms of surface chemistry. In this talk, I will describe the progress made in our recent work in this area, one that exploits the use of SAMs in several areas of technology. Of particular interest in this regard is the development of new SAM-based assembly systemsand chemistry for their modificationthat allows their use as a platform for array-based proteomic assays. I will highlight in this presentation recent work that has led the development of new protocolsones exploiting assembly, surface modification, soft lithography, and microscopythat possess considerable potential for chemical sensing. The enabling of label free detection of protein binding events using non-spectroscopic methods of detection based on new imaging protocols will be discussed. The hope for SAMs, in this context then, is to demonstrate that seeing is believing.