According to an embodiment of the present technology, an image display apparatus includes a light source; an image generation unit; and a projection optical system. The image generation unit generates image light by modulating a light beam emitted from the light source. The projection optical system includes a first lens group that is disposed on an optical axis of the generated image light and has a first refractive power, a second lens group that is disposed on the optical axis and has a second refractive power, a first movement mechanism that moves the first lens group, and a second movement mechanism that moves the second lens group corresponding to the first refractive power, the second refractive power, and the movement of the first lens group.