Abstract: There is disclosed a method of fixedly mounting a graded-index rod lens to a holder easily with high reliability without requiring machining of one end face of the rod lens which is difficult to achieve if the lens has a small diameter. The present invention also offers an optical component having the graded-index rod lens inserted and fixed in a through hole formed in the holder. A part of the through hole on the side of one end face of the rod lens is formed as a tapering hole. A transparent member is molded so as to be tightly fitted with the holder such that the whole end face of the lens and at least a part of the inner surface of the tapering hole are covered with the transparent member. A part of the surface of the transparent member is shaped spherically or aspherically to form a molded lens.