1. A method of assembling a waveguide neural interface device, comprising the steps of: a) providing a neural device that includes a plurality of electrode sites; b) providing a waveguide, separate from the neural device, that is configured to carry light along a longitudinal axis and includes a light directing element that redirects the carried light away from the waveguide; c) providing a circuit board, separate from the neural device and the waveguide, that is configured to interface with the plurality of electrode sites and the waveguide; d) orienting the light directing element of the waveguide to a predetermined angular orientation relative to the neural device, wherein the predetermined angular orientation is based on a selected direction of redirected light; and e) coupling each structure of the group comprising the neural device, the waveguide, and the circuit board to at least one of the other structures in the group, wherein coupling includes fixing the waveguide at the predetermined angular orientation relative to the neural device.