An optical module has a circuit carrier, a housed semiconductor element disposed on the circuit carrier, and a lens unit for projecting electromagnetic radiation onto the semiconductor element. The lens unit preferably includes a lens assembly with, say, three lenses and a diaphragm. The lenses, optionally together with the diaphragm, are aligned in a well-defined manner due to their geometric design so that no additional optical adjustment is necessary. The lenses are held in a type of lens holder that is an integral component of the housing of the semiconductor element.