Abstract: A forming apparatus for an optical element includes a first forming die having a forming convex portion, a second forming die having a forming concave portion, a forming die driving mechanism, and an optical-element-material holding mechanism. The forming convex portion is adapted to cave a side of a first principal surface of an optical element material; and adapted to protrude a side of a second principal surface of the optical element material. The forming concave portion is adapted to form the side of the second principal surface by sandwiching the optical element material between the forming convex portion and the forming concave portion. The forming die driving mechanism is adapted to move the first forming die and the second forming die in directions away from and toward each other.

Abstract: There is provided an optical unit manufacturing method in which an optical element is obtained by giving compression to an optical material using a mold after thermal softening of the optical material, and uniting of a frame unit with the optical element is required. The optical unit manufacturing method includes a step of forming the frame unit as an integral part of the optical element with reference to a position of the mold while holding the optical element without opening the mold after forming of the optical element.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a molding apparatus capable of obtaining an optical element of which both an optical functional surface and a lens mounting reference can be molded simultaneously and which has an appropriate lens thickness. In order to achieve this object, the apparatus includes a lower mold having one molding surface on its upper surface, a lower periphery regulating member for fitting on an outer surface of the lower mold to regulate an excess of a glass material swelling outward from the molding surface of the lower mold, an upper mold having the other molding surface on its lower surface, and an upper periphery regulating member for fitting on an outer surface of the upper mold to regulate the excess of the glass material swelling outward from the molding surface of the upper mold.