Exemplary optical communication devices are described which, in certain embodiments, derive power optically from and communicate optically to a reading device. The communication devices may also receive data from modulated light from the reading device to achieve a bi-directional optical communication link between the self-powered optical communication device and the reading device. In some embodiments, the communication device is powered by ambient light, such as sunlight, captures data from a sensor, and communicates the stored data some time later to a reading device. In some embodiments, the communication device is powered locally and communicates through air, optical fiber, or other medium with another communication device.