Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of optical lens including a coating, typically, an anti-reflective (AR) coating which provides improved characteristics of the lens. The invention provides for a method and apparatus for forming the coated lens in which there is provided a sheet material with the coating applied to at least one surface thereof. At least part of the sheet material is then placed into a mold and located so as to form an external surface of the lens, the base of which is formed by introducing, typically by injection, a material into the mold and during which molding process the material and sheet material join together to form the optical lens with the coating.