Abstract: A carrier is disclosed for holding an optical lens blank while forming optical surfaces on the blank. The carrier includes a clamp for holding the periphery of the lens blank while exposing a central area of the blank. An outer peripheral surface and one of two spaced end surfaces on the carrier are used in a method for locating and positioning said carrier/lens blank in a lathe, milling machine or other machine tool such that the exposed lens blank surfaces may be precisely and accurately cut to form optical lens surfaces with minimal error or misalignment. Holders for mounting the carrier in a lathe or milling machine and having locating surfaces engaging the outer peripheral and one end surface on the carrier are also disclosed.