A photochromic optical article is provided, which includes: an optical substrate; a photochromic layer over a surface of the optical substrate, wherein the photochromic layer includes a photochromic compound; and a protective layer over the photochromic layer, wherein the protective layer includes a matrix that includes residues of an ethylenically unsaturated radically polymerizable material that includes at least one allophanate group. A method of forming the photochromic optical article is also provided.