Systems and methods for regulating optical power are described. A system for regulating optical power includes a laser driver circuit that receives an enable/disable signal and a data modulator input. The enable/disable signal regulates asynchronous mode operation. The system also includes a laser module including a laser diode emitter and a photodiode detector. The laser module is coupled to the laser driver circuit and receives a laser bias current from the laser driver circuit. The system also includes a switch coupled to the photodiode to receive a signal from the photodiode detector. The system also includes an automatic power control (APC) feedback circuit that receives a signal from the switch and provides a laser bias current feedback signal to the laser driver circuit to compensate for power output changes in the laser diode emitter over time.