A method of forming a compound lens includes molding multiple lens elements to form a compound lens. The multiple lens elements are molded from polymers that provide each lens element with the desired optical properties. First and second lens elements formed from a first polymer can be molded around a central, third element formed from a second polymer that differs from the first polymer by the addition of a cyclic substituent group. During curing of the lens elements, cross-links are formed between the first and second polymers to form an molded, integrally formed compound lens.