Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved method, a lapping tool head and a lens polishing apparatus for carrying out the method, for polishing ophthalmic lenses. The apparatus has a lapping tool head, a flexible membrane covering a lapping portion of the tool head, and pump and nozzle for pumping abrasive slurry over the lapping tool head. The new method comprises the conventional step of imparting an oscillatory movement to the lapping tool head and contacting the lens surface with the lapping portion of the lapping tool head while an abrasive slurry is pumped over the lapping tool head. The improvement comprises the additional step of periodically undulating the membrane for imparting a wave in that membrane such that the abrasive slurry can flow between the membrane and the lens surface. The lapping slurry is efficiently moved over the entire surface of the lens for improving the quality of the lenses polished by this process.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens blocker for blocking a lens blank onto a support block without touching the block. The lens blocker has a lens blank imaging station for displaying a target image of a prescribed lens and a planar coordinate system associated with this target image. The imaging station has a stand for supporting the lens blank for orienting the lens blank according to references in the planar coordinate system. There is also provided a probing station for measuring a position and curvature of a surface of the lens blank and a lens/block moulding station having a cavity for receiving the support block in a known position and a bonding material dispenser for bonding the lens blank to the support block. The lens blocker further has a lens blank manipulator for moving the lens blank from the imaging station to the probing station and from the probing station to the lens/block moulding station.