An optical communication apparatus has the transmission/reception modules which perform conversion of a light signal from an LED into an electric signal and vice versa. A movable shutter is located above the monitoring window of a light guide so as to allow prevention of crosstalk. A monitoring light-receiving element can be included to allow monitoring of the status of the light signal. A signaling device such as an indicator, a buzzer or the like can be operated in accordance with an output signal from the monitoring light-receiving element.