Methods and apparatus relating to the machining of ophthalmic lenses

A method of producing a contact lens comprising at least one contact lens member, the method comprising producing the contact lens member using the method of any previous claim, and then carrying out one or more of the following steps:

• removing the contact lens member from the mandrel, for example by melting the wax;
• placing the contact lens member in contact with an aqueous composition to produce a hydrated lens member;
• placing the contact lens member in contact with a contact lens packaging solution;
• and/or
• placing the contact lens member in a blister package, and wherein the blister package is subsequently sealed and sterilized.

A mandrel for holding an ophthalmic lens member blank during machining, the mandrel having a front surface for receiving an ophthalmic lens member blank to be machined;

• the front surface comprising;
• a planar surface region;
• a curved surface region;
• and
• a tool trench located between the curved surface region and the planar surface region;
• wherein the depth of the tool trench is at least 150 μm when measured with respect to the planar surface region.