The preparation of SnO-SiO(2), SnO-B(2)O(3), and SnO-GeO(2) glasses by melting in air was performed. The prepared SnO-GeO(2) glasses were large enough to measure optical properties whereas the vitrification in SnO-SiO(2) and SnO-B(2)O(3) systems was difficult. PbO-GeO(2) and BiO(1.5)-GeO(2) glasses were also prepared for comparison with SnO-GeO(2) glasses. The densities, glass transition temperatures, and optical properties such as refractive indices, dispersion, and transmission spectra of SnO-GeO(2), PbO-GeO(2), and BiO(1.5)-GeO(2) glasses were measured. On the basis of the results, the potential for SnO-GeO(2) glasses as lead-free glasses is particularly discussed from the viewpoint of optical properties.