A micro-optical component includes a micro-substrate, a micro-optical element disposed on the micro-substrate, and a stand-off (a mechanical spacer) disposed on the micro-substrate or micro-optical component in a separate plane from the micro-substrate that at least partially encloses the micro-optical element. The micro-optical components can be stacked on a system substrate using micro-transfer printing to form a three-dimensional micro-optical structure. One more light beams can travel or pass through various combinations of multiple micro-optical components and micro-optical elements.