An optical connector includes a connector plate having a connecting face operable to mate with a different connecting face on a different optical connector. A slot can be formed in a side of the connector plate and have a length (L) extending from the connecting face to an opposite face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting face. A groove can be formed in a portion of the bottom wall of the slot and can extend at least partially along the length of the slot. The groove can receive an optical fiber. The optical connector can also include a retaining block shaped to fit between side walls of the slot and between the connecting face and the opposite face to retain the optical fiber within the groove.