Abstract: An optical element comprises a pair of substrates each having an electrode and bonded together with a gap therebetween and a light adjusting material including a liquid crystal and enclosed in the gap. Each of the pair of substrates has an electrode connecting portion to be connected to an external circuit. At least a part of the electrode connecting portion of each of the substrates is located on the same side as that of the optical element. The electrode connecting portion of one of the substrates and the electrode connecting portion of the other of the substrates have respective electrode portions at regions that are not opposed to each other. The electrode portion of each of the electrode connecting portions is connected to the external circuit.