A bidirectional optical power monitor is disclosed that is used as an in-line monitor along a section of bidirectional optical fiber. The optical power monitor includes a bidirectional assembly of a lensing arrangement with a partially reflective element coupled to an output of the lensing arrangement. The reflective element directs small portions of optical signals propagating in each direction into separate ones of a pair of photodiodes (allowing for simultaneous measurement of power propagating in both directions along an optical fiber). The reflective element directs the majority of the optical signals through the lensing arrangement a second time and thereafter coupled into the proper section of optical fiber such that a continuity of signal propagation direction is maintained.