Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for assembling first and second mold parts having contact lens forming surfaces, wherein said first mold part has a reaction mixture on said contact lens forming surface, said apparatus comprising movement preventing means which prevents said first mold part from moving while said second mold part is controllably moved from a first position wherein said second mold part is not in contact with said reaction mixture on said first mold part to a position wherein the majority of said contact lens forming surface of said second mold part has been wetted by said reaction mixture on said first mold part.