Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical element such as a micro-optic lens may include providing a substrate having a surface profile, the substrate surface profile defining one or more flow stop features. The method may include providing a mold tool having a mold surface profile and dispensing viscous material. When the mold surface profile and the substrate surface profile are disposed towards one another and aligned relative to one another, the mold surface profile and the substrate surface profile define therebetween an optical element cavity, a peripheral cavity disposed around a periphery of the optical element cavity where the peripheral cavity includes one or more flow stop features, and an air flow path for air to flow in and out of the peripheral cavity from and to an external environment. The optical element cavity and the peripheral cavity define a peripheral constriction therebetween.