1. A visual axis detection apparatus comprising: illumination means for illuminating an eyeball; light receiving means having a plurality of photoelectric transfer elements for intercepting reflected light from the eyeball; storage means for storing a plurality of Purkinje image candidates from among signals obtained by receiving the light with said light receiving means; selection means for selecting Purkinje image candidates satisfying predetermined conditions as the Purkinje image from the plurality of Purkinje image candidates; and detection means for detecting a state of the visual axis on the basis of the Purkinje image selected by said selection means.