The field of adaptive optics for astronomical observations has gained momentum steadily in the past decade. Several program are under complitions and several more are under considerations. However, the scientific community is still scheptical, due, perhaps, to the little amount of scientific return obtained with existing systems. In this talk I will give an overview of Adaptive Optics techniques, existing systems and their capabilities. Some of the scientific achievements and some of the engineering problems to be solved. An overview of what is possible in the near future in terms of alternative technologies for adaptive optics, like liquid crystals and MEMs, will be given.