Abstract: In the method and apparatus of the present invention, a first optical element having a surface stressed by an optical coating is optically contacted with a second optical element. The first optical element is treated with a frequency or polarization selective coating which causes deformation of the treated surface. A pliable intermediate optical element is joined with the coated surface. The intermediate element is sufficiently pliable to substantially conform to the contour of the coated surface, providing optical contact therebetween. An opposite face of the intermediate element is polished and a second optical element is optically contacted to the intermediate element. This provides a precise and economical method for joining two optical elements, one of which is treated with an optical coating.