An optical element support system and a method of supporting an optical element are provided. The optical element includes an optical axis, an arcuate front surface, and a back surface. The optical element support system includes an axial support system that provides axial support to the optical element in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the optical element, and further includes a lateral support system that provides lateral support to the optical element in one or more directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element that is offset from a center-of-gravity of the optical element.