A process is provided for preparing a coated optical element. The process Includes:a) providing an optical element substrate;b) contacting the optical element with a pretreatment composition of an aqueous solution of hydrolyzed aminosilane; andc) applying a film-forming composition to the optical element of (b) to form a coating on the optical element, thereby yielding a coated optical element. The pretreatment composition may further include a substantially water-miscible solvent that is capable of swelling the substrate surface without causing haze or degradation of the substrate. The coated optical element demonstrates improved adhesion between the film-forming composition and the substrate compared to a substantially identical optical element that has not been contacted with the pretreatment composition of step b) prior to application of the film-forming composition.