A method and apparatus for molding optical elements in which peeling between a glass member and a resin layer and between a mold member and the resin layer will not occur while at the same time it is possible to accurately bring the central axis of the glass member and the central axis of the molding surface into alignment. This is accomplished by a first step of placing the glass member upon a support portion, a second step of positioning the glass member relative to the mold means when a resin material, which has been charged into a space defined by the molding surface and the surface of the glass member, exhibits a viscosity within a predetermined range, a third step of holding the glass member at a predetermined position until the resin material cures to a predetermined ratio of polymerization, and a fourth step of releasing the glass member from the held state after the resin material has cured to the predetermined ratio of polymerization.