Abstract A novel three-dimensional (3D) optical lens structure for electromagnetic field shaping based on spatial light transformation method is proposed at microwave frequencies. The lens is capable of transforming cylindrical wavefronts into planar ones, and generating a directive emission. Such manipulation is simulated and analysed by solving Laplace’s equation, and the deformation of the medium during the transformation is theoretically described in detail. The two-dimensional (2D) design method producing quasi-isotropic parameters is further extended to a potential 3D realization with all-dielectric gradient refractive index metamaterials. Numerical full-wave simulations are performed on both 2D and 3D models to verify the functionality and broadband characteristics of the calculated lens. Far-field radiation patterns and near-field distributions demonstrate a highly radiated directive beam when the lens is applied to a conical horn antenna.