To obtain an optical element excellent in optical axis accuracy by removing a weak point by surely performing adjustment of the optical axis by repeating pressurizing and depressurizing to the side faces of upper and lower molds in the centripetal direction concurrently with the deformation of glass by the pressing movements of the upper and lower molds.

When the relative position of the forming faces of the molds in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis is adjusted by simultaneously pressurizing the outer peripheral parts of the upper and lower molds with side face pressing members separately from pressurizing movements of a couple of upper and lower molds toward a centripetal direction, pressurizing and depressurizing are repeatedly performed to the outer peripheral parts of the molds.