Exhibit 23.1


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Optelecom, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 7, 2000 (March 28, 2000 as
to Note 2), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Optelecom, Inc. for
the year ended December 31, 1999 and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.



Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, VA
November 13, 2000