An optical unit includes a lens and a lens frame to support the lens. The lens frame includes a cylindrical portion and a U-shaped portion. The U-shaped portion has a U-shaped cross-section. The cylindrical portion has an edge and an inner surface in contact with an outer surface of the lens. The U-shaped portion is formed integrally with the edge of the cylindrical portion and holds the lens. With the lens held, the U-shaped portion is adhesively bonded to the cylindrical portion and then is removed from the cylindrical portion.