A module and an arrangement for, as well as a method of, generating a generally uniform distributed line pattern of light on a symbol to be read by image capture employs a light source for generating light along an optical axis in a distribution having different extents along intersecting directions generally perpendicular to the axis, a linear lens array having a plurality of compound curvature lenses spaced apart from one another along one of said directions, for receiving the light from the light source, and for optically modifying the light from the light source to generate the generally uniform distributed line pattern of light on the symbol, each lens having a concave curvature for diverging the light along said one direction, and a convex curvature for collimating the light along the other of said directions, and a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view having different extents along the intersecting directions.