Final answer:
The transparent layer through which light passes is the cornea, which is a part of the eye and not the skin. The epidermis is the outermost skin layer, and the dermis lies beneath it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clear, transparent skin layer just under the surface through which light passes is the cornea. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and does not primarily focus on light transmission. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis that contains nerve endings, blood vessels, and skin structures. However, the cornea is the part of the eye, not the skin, and it is known for its transparency and light transmission capabilities.