Multi-focal display system and method

A display system includes a light projection device operatively coupled to an image source that generates image data. The system also includes a composite variable focus element (VFE) assembly operatively coupled to the light projection device, the composite VFE assembly comprising a first VFE arranged in series with a second VFE to provide image frames corresponding to the image data for display. The first VFE is configured to switch between focal states within a first focal range and with a first switching response time. The second VFE is configured to switch between focal states within a second focal range and with a second switching response time. The first focal range is greater than the second focal range. The first switching response time is slower than the second switching response time.