Abstract: A method for in-mold coating of an injection molded thermoplastic lens that resides in an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. An optical lens is initially formed by injecting molten thermoplastic resin into an edge-gated lens-forming cavity held closed under a primary clamp force. The mold is opened at a time when the lens is rigid enough to retain its shape. An unpressurized full metered charge of coating is applied onto the center of the lens. The coating is co-molded by ramping up the clamp force from zero to a secondary clamp force less than the primary clamp force to compress the coating into a uniformly thick, fringe-free layer.

Abstract: Contact lens delensing methods are described, and the present delensing methods include using a gas to facilitate separation of a polymerized contact lens product from a contact lens mold member. The contact lens mold member is compressed to deform a portion of the mold member, and gas, such as air, is directed toward the polymerized contact lens product in contact with the portion. The contact lens mold member can be compressed as the mold member, and lens product, rotate. A vacuum device can be used to separate the polymerized contact lens product from the contact lens mold member after compressing the portion of the mold member and directing the gas towards the mold member. Delensing systems used to practice the present methods are also described.

Abstract: A polarizing plastic lens comprising a polarizing film with low tendency to detachment from an optical resin layer. There is provided polarizing plastic lens comprising polarizing film constituted of a polyvinyl alcohol resin. Two optical resin layers of different thicknesses may be disposed on both surfaces of the polarizing film. The optical resin layers are formed by polymerizing a polymerization raw material composition in contact with the polarizing film. The polymerization raw material composition contains as one main component an isocyanated or isothiocyanated compound. The iscocyanate or isothiocyanate functional group reacts with the hydroxyl of polyvinyl alcohol resin of polarizing film to thereby form an urethane bond or thiourethane bond, so that the optical resin layers are strongly unified with the polarizing film.

Abstract: Light transmission devices, such as lenses and windows for portable electronic devices, are produced using an injection/compression molding technique in which a light transmission device mold includes an integral runner in substantially the same plane and with substantially the same wall thickness as the light transmission device to be produced. The finished light transmission devices are mechanically separated from the molded product. Molding equipment and processes traditionally used to produce information discs can be leveraged to produce light transmission devices. Various processes can be performed to add metallization, coatings, and printing to the light transmission devices.

Abstract: An injection molding device for thermosetting molding materials includes a male mold portion, and a female mold portion. The male mold portion includes an injection aperture and a sprue communicated with the injection aperture. The female mold portion is mated with the male mold portion to define a parting face therebetween and includes a cold slug well and a main runner. The cold slug well is disposed at an opposite end of the sprue relative to the injection aperture and has at least two inner sidewalls perpendicular to each other. The main runner is defined in the parting face and commutating with the sprue. The refractive index of the products molded using the injection molding device may be obtained via directly measuring that of the cold slug after molding. Therefore, the time spent to measure the refractive index of the products is less than the conventional method.

Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, for example, soft, extended wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses, are provided. The systems generally include a housing having an illuminated chamber, a carrier, for example a tray, movable in the illuminated chamber from an inlet portion to an outlet portion of the housing, and the tray configured to carry a plurality of contact lens molds. Polymerizing light energy is provided, for example, by multiple fluorescent lamps, to the molds at an intensity effective to at least initiate polymerization of a monomer composition located in each of the molds. The light may be illuminated onto two opposing sides of each mold. In some cases, the intensity of the light provided to one side of the mold may be different to the light intensity provided to the opposing side of the mold. In addition, the system may include features that are effective to provide for an instantaneous start and an instantaneous end to the light induced cure of the monomer in the molds.

Abstract: A plastic lens, which does not require a modification to an inner diameter of a mirror frame but is uniform in outer diameter, is provided and include: protrusions on the circumference in at least three points divided thereof into three equal parts except for an injection gate point, in positions equally distant to a center O of the plastic lens. The protrusions have respective outer surfaces provided as fit portions to a mirror frame. The plastic lens preferably has a diameter of 50 mm or more and a thickness smallest at the center thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing toric lenses, apparatuses useful in the method of the invention, and lenses produced according to the method in which method the position of one mold half in relation to its complementary mold half is more precisely controlled so that tilting and rotation of the mold halves in relation to each other is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A device for forming optical lenses includes a base, a driving mechanism mounted on the base, a controller connected to the driving mechanism and a roll forming die. The controller is configured for controlling the driving mechanism. The roll forming die includes a roller, a number of mold cores attached to the roller, and a molding material container disposed on the base and spaced with the roller. The roller is mechanically coupled to the driving mechanism such that the roller can be driven to rotate by the driving mechanism, the roller, the mold cores and the molding material container are arranged to cooperatively form workpieces. A number of mounting holes are defined in the roller; each of the mold cores is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole. The device for forming optical lenses can reduce internal stress of produced optical lenses.

Abstract: The invention is a mold and method for using the mold to make a multi-stage intraocular lens. The mold is provided with a gate in fluid communication with a lens portion and/or haptic portion of the mold core. In addition, a gasket is provided around the mold core. As molding material is introduced into the mold via the gate, a vacuum is drawn around and through the gasket to evacuate air trapped in the mold core and to help pull the material through the mold core.

Abstract: A method for producing a mold for a zonal optical element including forming a circular portion where, while rotating a work around a rotation axis corresponding to the optical axis as a center, a tip is relatively moved relative to the work to form the circular portion at the mold side corresponding to the circular portion on the processing surface of the work perpendicular to the rotation axis; forming a zonal surface where the tip is relatively moved relative to the work to form a zonal surface at the mold side corresponding to the zonal surface; and forming a corner portion between the boundary portion at the mold side and the zonal surface at the mold side wherein a raked surface of the tip is in contact with a portion corresponding to the boundary wall surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making an ophthalmic lens. Apparatus are provided for filling contact lens shaped cavities of contact lens molding assemblies. Methods of coupling and fusing contact lens mold sections are also provided and generally include providing first and second mold sections which, when coupled together, are effective to form a lens-shaped cavity and contact regions between the mold sections. One or both of the mold sections may include one or more recessed regions or projections which provide areas of non-fusion and areas of fusion, respectively, when the mold sections have been filled with a contact lens precursor material and are fused together, for example, by focused ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for making an ophthalmic lens. The present methods and systems are effecting in coupling two mold sections together at two or more discrete regions. Embodiments of the methods and systems form a bore that extends completely through one of the mold sections and only partially through the other mold section. During formation of the bore, the mold material in proximity to the bore being formed becomes molten and diffuses from the bore. A portion of the molten mold material is provided at a contact point between the two mold sections and when the molten material cools, the material forms a spot weld between the mold sections. By forming multiple hollow spot welds in a mold assembly, the two mold sections can be securely coupled to each other during the manufacture of an ophthalmic lens, such as a silicone hydrogel contact lens.

Abstract: A method of molding an optical component which includes providing a first mold and a second mold which mold the optical component, a cylindrical body whose rotational symmetry axis is identical with a second symmetry axis about which a second mold is rotationally symmetric, a trunk mold whose rotational symmetry axis is identical with a first symmetry axis about which a first mold is rotationally symmetric, a supporting means which supports the first mold in such a way that the first mold moves relatively to the trunk mold in parallel with the first symmetry axis, and a second tapered surface and a first tapered surface which contacts the second tapered surface, which connect the cylindrical body with the trunk mold in such a way that the second symmetry axis is identical with the first symmetry axis.

Abstract: The invention provides molds and mold inserts useful in the production of contact lenses. In particular, the invention provides high optical quality molds and inserts useful for manufacturing silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold insert, the interior surface thereof having an average quadratic roughness of less than 10 nm. Said insert is covered with a protective layer exhibiting a Vickers hardness of more than 1000 HV, a thickness of between 0.2 and 5 ?m, and an adhesive strength greater than 15 N. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof. The invention is used for the production of ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The method includes the use of a closed mold consisting of two shells (2,3) and an annular joint (4), the joint having a hole (19) for filling the mold cavity with a polymerizable material, the introduction of the material occurring after a stage in which an external mechanical effort is exerted in order to bring the shells (2,3) together and before a stage in which the effort is relaxed. In the joint (4), the filling hole (19) includes two sections. A first section extends from the molding cavity to the second section which is wider. The device includes elements (34-40) for exerting an external effort in order to bring the shells (2,3) together and elements for introducing the polymerizable material into the molding cavity.

Abstract: An optical element is manufactured using a replication tool comprising a negative structural feature defined in a replication side of the replication tool, and a peripheral feature formed in the replication side of the replication tool adjacent the negative structural feature. The negative structural feature defines the shape of the optical element. A replication material is disposed between a substrate and the replication tool, which are moved toward each other. The peripheral feature confines the replication material to a predetermined area of the substrate. The replication material can be hardened to form the optical element from the replication material attached to the substrate.

Abstract: A device for producing a polymerizable synthetic material optical lens, including a closure member (12) that is adapted to grip two molding shells (14A, 14B) circumferentially to define a molding cavity (15) in conjunction with the shells (14A, 14B), the closure member (12) including a synthetic material wall (123) adapted to come into contact with the molding shells (14A, 14B) and the closure member (12) incorporating a molding material introduction passage (125) discharging into the molding cavity (15) through a casting opening (126); characterized in that the closure member (12) includes a seal (40) that forms the contact wall (123) and the introduction passage (125), which joint (40) is formed of an elastomer material and of a rigid insert (43) at least part of which has the elastomer material molded over it, the introduction passage (125) being inside the insert (43).

Abstract: A mold-press forming apparatus for applying a molding pressure to a mold containing a forming material to perform press forming includes a loading chamber (that is, an airtight chamber) P1 kept airtight. The loading chamber P1 is connected to a pressure reducing member which includes evacuating members 14 and 13 arranged in an evacuating path 7 connected to the loading chamber P1 for evacuating a gas in the loading chamber P1, and a plurality of valves 11 and 12 arranged in the evacuating path 7 in parallel to each other. When the loading chamber P1 is evacuated, the pressure reducing member changes a pressure reducing rate in the course of pressure reduction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical member by mixing isocyanate terminal prepolymer component (A) and aromatic diamine component (B), and immediately after mixing, casting a mixture into a casting mold to obtain a molded article. A method of manufacturing a plastic lens by mixing said components (A) and (B), immediately after mixing, casting a mixture into a casting mold and polymerizing it to obtain a molded article. A gasket for molding plastic lenses comprised of a cylindrical member. A casting mold for molding plastic lenses using this gasket and a monomer casting jig.

Abstract: A process of dosing a starting material (SM) for optical lenses, into a female mold half (2), comprises the steps of: positioning a dosing tip (1) at a start position (P2) above the female mold half (2) and close to the edge of or laterally outside that portion (20) defining the lens-shaping surface, creating a continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) into the female mold half (2), moving the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) towards an end position (P3) in the region of the center of the female mold half (2) once the starting material (SM) has contacted the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) with the dosing tip (1) being in the start position (P2), wherein the continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) and the movement of the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) to its end position (P3) are controlled such, that a continuous bead (B) of starting material (SM) is deposited on the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) and that

Abstract: An exemplary molding apparatus includes a first and a second mold core, a mold core receiving member, at least three positioning members and pushing members. The first and second mold core respectively have a first and a second molding portion, the first and second molding portion are configured for cooperatively defining a mold cavity. The mold core receiving member defines a through hole for receiving the second molding portion, at least three spaced receptacles in an inner wall thereof, and at least three spaced receiving holes in communication with the respective at least three receptacles. The at least three positioning members are received in the at least three receptacles. The at least three pushing members are movably received lengthwise in the at least three receiving holes, and being configured for urging the at least three positioning members to move toward the second molding portion thus hold the second molding portion.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a mold for a microlens having a desired radius (R) of curvature by electroplating. In this method, a minimum radius (Rmin) of curvature is utilized to achieve the desired curvature radius.

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: Ocular implant devices (10, 20, 121) for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye (101, 301) in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices (10, 20, 121) are illustrated and described. Implants (10, 20) suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants (121, 10, 20) suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices (10, 20, 121) that are presented herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming an optical element. A forming tool is used having a plurality of molding or hot-embossing portions formed on a surface thereof for molding or hot-embossing optical structures onto a substrate. On the surface of the substrate there is formed at least one preformed portion. The substrate is heated to a temperature above a transition temperature and the forming tool and the substrate are pressed against each other for forming an optical element having a plurality of structures having an optical effect, wherein the shape of the structures having an optical effect is given by the respective associated molding or hot-embossing portion.

Abstract: The inventive device includes a first shell holder (6) for fixing a first shell (12), a second shell holder (27) for fixing a second shell (29), a first support (1) on which the first shell holder (6) is mounted and a second support (2) on which the second shell holder (27) is mounted, the first (1) and second (2) supports being pivotable with respect to each other. When the first (1) and second (2) supports are in a first relative position thereof they are arranged oppositely to each other, thereby bringing the first (12) and second (29) shells into a predetermined relative moulding position thereof. When the first (12) and second (29) shells are brought into the second relative position thereof, the first (1) and second (2) supports are removed from each other by pivoting motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens holder and a lens protector having little burrs and no gate marks formed an a surface thereof confronting an optical disc and a method of manufacturing the lens holder and the lens protector. The lens holder is formed in integration with a boss by injection-molding and has a hole capable of holding an objective lens on a surface of the lens holder confronting an optical disc. The boss having a gate and a contact portion which contacts a ejector pin is formed on a peripheral side surface of the lens holder when the injection molding is performed and cut off from the lens holder after the injection molding finishes.

Abstract: A mold for molding a product in a cavity formed by closing the mold includes a first half; a second half; and a plurality of aligning members which come in contact with each side circumferential surface of the first half 100 and the second half at least in three directions, when the mold is closed. After the mold is closed, at least one of the aligning members is moved to contact the aligning member with the each side circumferential surface of the first half and the second half, which enables a center axis alignment between the first half and the second half.

Abstract: A mold for an optical component is provided in which a first tapered surface is provided in a first mold while a second tapered surface is provided in a second mold. In the mold for the optical component, a curved surface distance which is a distance between a first mold curved surface and a second mold curved surface is greater than a lens thickness which is a distance between a first lens surface and a second lens surface in a state where the second tapered surface is contact with the first tapered surface. Moreover, the second tapered surface moves to a position where the curved surface distance is equal to the lens thickness, to elastically transform the first mold and fit onto the first tapered surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for injection molding an ophthalmic lens mold section having an optical surface and a non-optical surface opposite the optical surface. The apparatus includes a non-optical tool assembly for forming the non-optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section. An optical tool assembly is in opposed relation to the non-optical tool assembly and together therewith forms a mold cavity for forming the ophthalmic lens mold section. In the preferred embodiment, the optical tool assembly includes a rotatably mounted core member and an optical insert removably secured the core member. The optical insert has an optical molding surface for forming an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section opposite the non-optical surface thereof. A locking mechanism having, in a preferred embodiment, a locking pin selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin allows rotation of the core member and a second position wherein the pin prevents the core member from rotation.

Abstract: Contact lens molds and systems and methods for producing contact lens molds are described. The contact lens mold sections include two optical quality surfaces, a flange circumscribing at least a portion of the two optical quality surfaces, and an elongate member extending from the flange. Two mold sections can contact one another to form a mold assembly having a contact lens shaped cavity. The mold sections are structured to form a contact lens having an edge that does not require further physical modification before placement on an eye. Systems and methods are described which direct a molten polymeric material into cavities corresponding to the mold sections.

Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part- has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a quench mold that may include an interior cavity and a coating on the interior cavity. The coating may include a plurality of particles such as metal-coated particles.

Abstract: An exemplary molding assembly includes: a first mold housing defining a first engaging hole; a second mold housing configured for attachment to the first mold housing; a containing block received in the first mold housing and defining a second engaging hole; a first core member received in the first containing block and having a molding surface thereon; a second core member received in the second mold housing for matching with the first core member; a first elongated adjusting member having a first portion locked by rotational engagement in the first engaging hole and a second portion in threaded engagement with the containing block; a second elongated adjusting member having a first portion locked by rotational engagement in the second engaging hole and a second portion in threaded engagement with the first core member. Lengthwise directions of the first and the second elongated adjusting members are oriented perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: In the case of a method of producing aspherical optical surfaces of optical elements (1), in particular for use in microlithography for producing semiconductor elements, the optical element (1) is ground for example in the form of a meniscus. In a first method step, the optical element (1) is introduced into a basic form (2), which has a spherical form bed and is being held at a distance over the form bed (3). After that, an intermediate medium (6) is introduced in the basic form (2) between the optical element (1) and the form bed (3) and, subsequently the optical element (1) being removed together with the intermediate medium (6) from the basic form. Then, the spherical form bed (3) of the basic form (2) or a second basic form is transformed into an aspherical form bed (3?) computationally determined in advance.

Abstract: An injection molding device (100) includes an upper mold (30), a core insert (50), and a lower mold (70). The upper mold defines a main flow passage (311) and a cylindrical receiving cavity (331) communicating with the main flow passage. The core insert is rotatably received in the cylindrical receiving cavity and defines a secondary flow passage (57) communicating with the main flow passage and at least one upper half molding cavity (531). The lower mold defines at least one lower half molding cavity (711) cooperating with the upper half molding cavity to form a full molding cavity.

Abstract: The present provides deformable molds and methods for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses using deformable molds. The molds of the invention may be used in the custom manufacture of ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a contact lens forming mold and to a method of producing contact lenses with higher production yield and improved quality. By coating a contact lens forming mold with a nano-structured fluorine-containing inorganic polycondensate coating solution the number of lens holes, such as voids or areas of non uniform thickness of a contact lens therein produced is substantially decreased.

Abstract: A mold for molding an optical element, in particular using a reaction injection molding method (RIM). The mold comprises a generally circular shaped, mold cavity having a geometrical center and a main plane, a sprue base with a longitudinal axis and a feed connection that makes the sprue base communicate with a feed sill of the mold cavity, the longitudinal axis of the sprue base and the geometrical center of the mold cavity defining a mold symmetry plane orthogonal to the main plane of the mold cavity, which intersection with said main plane defines a mold main axis, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the sprue base together with a line perpendicular to the main plane of the mold cavity forms an angle ranging from 0 to 30°, preferably from 0 to 15°. Methods of using the mold and objects made thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: The mold assembly (100) is provided including a mold plate (20), a mold core (30), an elastic member (40) and an adjusting member (50). The mold plate has a receiving cavity (25) and a receiving aperture (27) defined therein. The mold core is received in the receiving cavity. The elastic member, configured to restore the mold core to its previous position, is disposed between the mold plate and the mold core. The adjusting member is received in the receiving aperture, engaging with the mold core to drive the mold core to move relative to the mold plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for manufacturing a megapixel multi-focus lens. The lens manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a loading means for supplying a mold body, in which a blank, interposed between upper and lower molds, is placed, to a forming position, a compression-forming means, which preheats, compresses and cools the supplied mold body such that the blank is formed into a multi-focus lens having an aspherical surface, and a discharge means, which discharges the multi-focus lens formed by the compression-forming means. Therefore, processes from loading to discharging can be automated, so that the productivity of the apparatus for manufacturing the multi-focus lens can be markedly enhanced. Furthermore, because the lens manufacturing apparatus is covered with a cabinet, a superior appearance thereof is ensured.

Abstract: A mold apparatus includes an upper mold having an upper molding plate and an upper molding core, and a bottom mold having a bottom molding plate for matching with the upper molding plate and a bottom molding core. One of the upper molding plate and the bottom molding plate defines a cavity and a corresponding one of the upper molding core and the bottom molding core is floatingly received and movable in the cavity.

Abstract: A mold assembly (200) is described that includes an upper mold (4), a lower mold (5) and a plurality of adjusting members (7). The upper mold includes an upper mold core (42). The lower mold includes a lower mold carrier (51) and a lower mold core (52). The lower mold carrier includes a plurality of sidewalls (511), which cooperatively define an opening (512) and have a plurality of screw holes (515) defined therethrough in communication with the receiving cavity. The lower mold core is received in the receiving cavity with a clearance formed therebetween. The adjusting member engages in the screw holes for aligning the lower mold core with the lower mold carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding optical components of a small size and high precision is provided with good transferability and a reduced production cycle. This apparatus includes a plurality of runners arranged in a pattern allowing multi-cavity molding for molding plastic lenses each having an outer diameter of 2 mm to 12 mm and surface roughness Ra of 20 nm or less. The total projected area of the runners is determined within a range of 1 cm2 to 12 cm2. The runners are arranged to extend around a sprue in directions perpendicular to an outer surface of the base molds. The pattern of the runners extending from the junction with the sprue to each shape transfer section is configured in two intersecting directions. A cavity is of a rectangular outer shape when seen from a pressure contact surface side.

Abstract: An optical microstructure plate and mold for fabricating the same is disclosed. The optical microstructure plate comprises a substrate. An optical microstructure element is formed on the substrate. A period alignment mark is disposed on the substrate to provide alignment for fabricating the optical microstructure element by a mold. A universal alignment mark is disposed on the substrate to provide alignment for bonding another plate therewith. Specifically, the mold comprises a concave within a mold substrate, a spoiler around the concave, and a buffer zone adjacent to the spoiler.

Abstract: The invention provides molds and mold inserts useful in the production of contact lenses. In particular, the invention provides high optical quality molds and inserts useful for manufacturing silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Abstract: A translucent ceramic includes a perovskite-type compound as a main component having a composition represented by the general formula (La1-x(Sr1-a-bBaaCab)x)((Al1-cGac)1-y(Ta1-dNbd)y)vOw (wherein 0<x?1, 0<y?0.6, 0.4?y/x?0.6, 0?a?1, 0?b?1, 0?c?1, 0?d?1, 0.9?v?1.1 and w is a positive number for keeping an electrical neutrality). The translucent ceramic has a high refractive index and a large Abbe number. Therefore, the translucent ceramic has an advantage in correction of aberration and is preferably used for lenses, which are disposed so as to hold a diaphragm therebetween, in a Gauss lens optical system such as an optical system for a single-lens reflex camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element capable of preventing a ghost in the use for a sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. In the optical element including an optical function surface of high surface accuracy and a flange formed around the surface, the optical function surface having an optical surface diameter somewhat larger than an effective diameter in order to secure high surface accuracy for the effective diameter, a parting diameter of a molding die is made larger than the optical surface diameter and a parting position is disposed outside the optical surface diameter.