Perhaps the reason you're dismissing it is because it is so ubiquitous (and well done) you have never really noticed that it was even a thing? :)

It could be the case, yes. My friend studied and works in optics (physics & CS) but we have not talked about it, not even sure color correction is something related to optics but could be. Perhaps the time to ask has come now. :P

Usually color correction happens in post-production, where optics are developed pre-production. Definitely, poorly designed lenses will have color casting and fringing issues, but color correction is largely about balancing colors across various lighting conditions / sources. (Think Daylight vs. Warm bulbs. Now think about how many lights are in a football stadium.)

> Think Daylight vs. Warm bulbs. Now think about how many lights are in a football stadium.

This example helped, I think. Thanks!