An optical header for coupling an edge emitter light source to an optical fiber is disclosed. The header preferably includes a ceramic or silicon substrate that has a recess for an edge emitting laser. An optical fiber is preferably attached to a substrate and terminates at a light source. The optical fiber is oriented such that the elliptical beam of light produced is situated such that the longer axis of the elliptical beam is orthogonal to the optical fiber. The header is particularly useful when used in conjunction with an optical receiver to form a bidirectional optical transceiver.