The present disclosure is generally directed to a lens clip that includes an optical lens slot to securely hold an optical lens at a predetermined position to mitigate effects of post-annealing shift. The lens clip includes a base that provides at least one substrate mating surface for mounting to a substrate, and at least first and second arms extending from the base. The first and second arms extend substantially parallel relative to each other and define at least a portion of an optical lens slot. The optical lens slot is configured to receive at least a portion of an optical lens and securely hold the optical lens at a predetermined position to ensure optical alignment of the optical lens, e.g., relative to an associated laser diode or other optical component, during fixation of the optical lens to the substrate using, for instance, UV-curing optical adhesives.