An optical apparatus including an optical substrate having an embedded waveguide and an optical device adapted to receive light transmitted from an end of the waveguide. The optical apparatus includes a coupling structure for coupling the optical device to the substrate. The coupling structure has a thin metallic layer with an aperture. At least a portion of the optical device is disposed in the aperture. A method for making an optical apparatus comprising forming an optical substrate having a waveguide embedded therein; depositing a metal layer over an end of the waveguide; and depositing a polymeric layer over the metal layer. An aperture is formed in the metal layer and in the polymeric layer by removing a portion of the metal layer and a portion of the polymeric layer disposed over the end of the waveguide. The method for making an optical apparatus also comprises inserting at least a portion of an optical device within the aperture so that the optical device is positioned to receive light from the first end of the waveguide.