Methods and apparatus are presented for retaining a dome lens in a lighting element that provides a projection of light forming a substantially uniform bright light on a surface a known distance from the lighting element. The lighting element includes a dome lens that is removably positioned proximal to a light source, such that the light source is retained at a location within a focal length of a projection lens and at or within a focal length of the dome lens. The dome lens magnifies the light outputted by the light source, such that the projected light is brighter than the light generated by the light source.