Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying an identifying mark to a mold used for making an ophthalmic device whereby the mold may be identified at various points along a production line in a fast, reliable and automatic manner. The mark is applied to a non-optical surface of the mold and is read using a reading device and a light source positioned on either side of the mold whereby the light rays enhance the contrast between the identifying mark and the mold. In a preferred embodiment, the identifying mark is a 2D matrix which is formed on the non-optical mold tool used in the injection mold machine which makes the mold. The 2D matrix on the non-optical mold tool is then replicated on the non-optical surface of the mold.