The preparation of SnO-B(2)O(3) and SnO-SiO(2) glasses by melting in Ar atomosphere was performed. The prepared SnO-B(2)O(3) glasses were large enough to measure optical properties whereas the vitrification in SnO-SiO(2) system was very difficult. PbO-B(2)O(3) and BiO1.5-B(2)O(3) glasses were also prepared for comparison with SnO-B(2)O(3) glasses. The densities, glass transition temperatures, and optical properties such as refractive indices, dispersion, and transmission spectra of SnO-B(2)O(3), PbO-B(2)O(3), and BiO(1.5)-B(2)O(3) glasses were measured. On the basis of the obtained results, the potential for SnO-B(2)O(3) glasses as lead-free glasses is particularly discussed from the viewpoint of optical properties.