An optical element is provided that allows accurate measurement of the shapes of the element and its surfaces which light is bound to strike, a jig is provided for holding the optical element, and an apparatus such as an image pickup apparatus or display apparatus is provided which includes the optical element. This optical element is characterized in that it includes surfaces which light is bound to strike and reference portions indicating the reference positions of the shapes of the surfaces, and the reference portions have curved surfaces defining points corresponding to the reference positions.