A data card reader for optically reading data from a card includes a reader unit and a card transport assembly. The reader unit includes an elongated piece of transparent material formed with a longitudinal emit lens that is disposed to focus light from internal LEDs onto the data card. A series of light sensors are disposed along the transparent material beneath an array of corresponding reflected light lenses that serve to focus light reflected from a card onto the light sensors in use. In one embodiment the light sensors comprise a CCD array.