An optical fiber assembly includes a lens block with a plurality of beam expanding and collimating elements. Each beam expanding and collimating element includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens includes a generally arcuate first lens surface and the second lens includes a generally arcuate second lens surface generally complementary in shape and in contact with the first lens. Each lens has a different index of refraction. An optical fiber assembly may include a housing with a plurality of beam expanding elements. A front portion of each beam expanding element has a generally planar front surface. A compliant layer is positioned on the generally planar front surface of each beam expanding element.