Optical wireless communications (OWC), and in particular LiFi, have emerged as a compelling complement to radio-frequency technologies, offering vast unlicensed spectrum, inherent security, and the potential for ultra-high data rates. As we move towards 6G and beyond, the role of light is evolving from a communication medium to a key enabler of sensing, intelligence, and environmental awareness. This talk provides an introduction to OWC, starting from the fundamental principles of light-based communication and the evolution of LiFi systems. It then explores recent advances that extend these systems beyond data transmission, highlighting how optical signals can be leveraged for high-precision sensing, localisation, and environmental mapping. The talk will introduce the concept of intelligent optical environments, where communication and sensing are tightly integrated within programmable and adaptive infrastructures. Such environments have the potential to enhance network resilience, strengthen physical-layer security, and enable new context-aware services. Finally, the talk outlines key research challenges and future directions in the design of scalable, robust, and intelligent OWC systems, positioning optical wireless technologies as a cornerstone of next-generation wireless networks.