Optelecom-nkf (OPTC) 10-K 2004 FY Annual report

Exhibit 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement No. 333-48306 of Optelecom, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated February 14, 2003, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Optelecom, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Grant Thornton LLP

Baltimore, Maryland

March 24, 2005