A method of shaping an aspherical optical element is provided that includes the steps of fastening an optical element blank to a ring, the blank presenting an optical surface that is to be shaped and a surface referred to as a rear surface; applying forces and moments to the ring in order to deform the optical element and its optical surface, which element is fastened to the ring; using abrasion to shape said deformed optical surface so as to restore a spherical or planar shape thereto; and extracting the blank from the ring so as to release the stresses deforming said shaped optical surface so as to allow it to acquire the desired aspherical shape. The method also includes the step of fastening the blank to the ring is performed by bonding the optical surface or the rear surface to a surface of the ring with a layer of adhesive.