I don't think you need optical for gigabit speeds. The gigabit standard is meant to work on existing cat5 cabling. Have a look at this paper on gigabit over copper.

Network managers and planners will be able to run 1000BASE-T over Category 5 cabling. The IEEE has
written the 1000BASE-T Standard for Gigabit Ethernet operation over the Category 5 cabling systems installed
according to the specifications of ANSI/TIA/EIA-568A (1995). Member companies of the GEA have demonstrated
1000BASE-T products operating on Category 5 cabling. There should be no need to replace existing
Category 5 cabling to use 1000BASE-T. The primary goal of the IEEE 1000BASE-T Task Force responsible for
the development of the 1000BASE-T standard was to support the legacy Category 5 cabling. According to the
industry experts that made up the IEEE 1000BASE-T Task Force, any link that is currently using 100BASE-TX
should easily support 1000BASE-T.
from here. If you want to do some window shopping look at the gigabit products that are out there now. If all new wiring was required to make them work they would not be so popular. However I have not setup gigabit speeds on my network, but I'm looking at accelerating a few key areas.