An apparatus includes an elastically deformable optical element holder situated to receive an optical element having a plurality of holder contact surfaces, the optical element holder including a plurality of receiving portions adjacent to an aperture and corresponding to respective holder contact surfaces, each receiving portion displaceable through deformation of the optical element holder so that the optical element is insertable in the aperture so as to be cushionably supported in a predetermined position with the receiving portions in contact with the respective holder contact surfaces.