Abstract: An applicator for depositing a protective silicone coating onto a plastic eyeglass lens includes a plurality of soft bristles mounted on a gripping element, and the bristles hold the silicone. Preferably, the silicone is a mixture of two polydimethylsiloxane polymers which has about the same index of refraction as the lens. When the bristles are moved against the lens, the polydimethylsiloxane mixture is deposited onto the lens to coat the lens with a protective silicone coating, and to fill in minor imperfections on the surface of the lens. Also, the coating inhibits dust from adhering to the lens, and reduces smudging of the lens. The gripping element is reciprocatingly engaged with a moving member that has an open end. The moving member can be manipulated to move the gripping element between an extended position, wherein the bristles protrude beyond the open end of the moving member, and a retracted position, wherein the bristles do not protrude beyond the open end of the moving member.