An optical element or module is designed to be placed in front of an optical sensor of a semiconductor component. At least one optically useful part of the element or module is provided through which the image to be captured is designed to pass. A method for obtaining such an optical element or module includes forming at least one through passage between a front and rear faces of the element or module. The front and rear faces are covered with a mask. Ion doping is introduced through the passage. As a result, the element or module has a refractive index that varies starting from a wall of the through passage and into the optically useful part. An image capture apparatus includes an optical imaging module having at least one such element or module.