An optical recording head is provided which includes a slider body having a leading edge. A void is formed in the slider body to receive a sphere of optically transparent material. The sphere is inserted into the void such that a portion of the sphere protrudes from the slider body. The protruding portion is lapped to be coplanar with a surface of the slider body to form a near-field lens. A mesa may be formed onto the lapped portion and may include a coil. The slider body, mesa, near-field lens, and coil may be formed in one batch process.