A method and apparatus for improving the optical properties of an LED using a retroreflector element. A light emitting apparatus includes a substrate, at least one light emitting device attached to the substrate and including an outer primary light emitting surface through which substantially all light is emitted, and a retroreflector assembly attached to the substrate. The retroreflector assembly includes a proximal surface adjacent to the substrate, a distal surface spaced away from the substrate, and a retroreflective portion arranged between proximal surface and the distal surface. A distance from the distal surface to the substrate is less than or equal to a distance from the outer primary light emitting surface to the substrate.