Silver-sodium ion exchange in aluminosilicate glasses is reviewed in the context of micro-optics fabrication. The interdiffusion coefficient is more strongly concentration dependent in glasses with high non-bridging oxygen content. Radioactive tracer diffusion coefficients show unusual behavior in glasses devoid of nonbridging oxygen. The local environments of the silver and sodium ions are related to the changes in ion exchange behavior. The modified quasi-chemical (MQC) model links these structural details to the thermodynamic description of ion exchange. The MQC model accurately describes ion exchange behavior in silicate, aluminosilicate and aluminoborate glasses. Using this model, long experimental trials are no longer necessary, and fast identification of optimal glass types and process parameters results.