An optical beam splitter for use in an optoelectronic module and method are provided. The optical beam splitter is configured to split a main beam produced by a laser into at least first and second light portions that have different optical power levels. The first light portion, which is to be coupled into an end of a transmit optical fiber of an optical communications link, has an optical power level that is within eye safety limits and yet has sufficient optical power to avoid signal degradation problems. The optical power level of the first light portion is less than the optical power level of the second light portion. The optical beam splitter is capable of being implemented in a unidirectional or a bidirectional optical link.