Provided is an optical element manufacturing method that is capable of forming various kinds of shapes and capable of achieving sophisticated functions, improved yields, and cost reductions. The method includes: a step that applies a transparent photosensitive resin on a transparent substrate with light-shielding patterns provided thereon; a step that forms transparent layers by performing patterning through irradiating exposure light of an arbitrary amount on the transparent photosensitive resin via the transparent substrate with the light-shielding patterns provided thereon; a step that forms light absorption layers by filling a black curable resin between the transparent layers; and an irradiation step that irradiates the exposure light in an oblique direction to the surface of the transparent substrate where the light-shielding patterns are formed in a state where the transparent substrate is being bent.