The present disclosure provides a method of forming a removable protective coating on a hydrophobic surface of an ophthalmic lens element. The method includes providing an ophthalmic lens element having a hydrophobic surface. A non-aqueous coating composition is applied so as to coat at least part of the hydrophobic surface. The composition includes a film forming coating polymer and a compatible non-aqueous solvent. A substantial portion of the solvent is removed from the composition to form a removable protective coating on the ophthalmic lens element that adheres to the hydrophobic surface. The disclosure also provides a removable protective coating, and an ophthalmic lens element having the coating.