The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a lens to a image scanner housing. In the present invention a lens is secured to a housing by a clamping force supplied by a closed peripheral wall which forms a housing tip, and a shelf which is rigidly formed in the housing interior. The closed peripheral wall contacts the top surface of the housing, and the top surface the shelf contacts the bottom surface of the lens, to hold the lens in a secure position. A substantially soft, friction-producing member such as an o-ring may be interposed between the shelf and the lens to absorb shock, to provide a tolerance between the lens and the shelf, and to prevent rotation of the lens.