The invention provides a method to produce in-mold coated lenses, and the coated lenses produced by the method. A cliche with a measured amount of thermoset acrylate-based coating solution is provided on, or adjacent to, the parting line of an injection molding machine. An inflatable silicone bladder is dipped into the cliche to pickup a thin film of coating. The bladder is transported along a vertical axis or plane or other path to press the coating against the heated mold insert. The bladder pauses while the coating pre-cures and the bladder is peeled off, leaving the coating on the mold insert. The mold is closed and a thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity to form a coated ophthalmic lens.