A method for checking the compliance of a checked optical characteristic of a checked ophthalmic lens (30) relative to an expected optical characteristic, from a non-deformed pattern (40) and a deformed pattern (20) each having a non-uniform contrast, the method includes the steps of: a) determining (A) an image pattern (50), which is the image of the deformed pattern through the checked ophthalmic lens, in predefined optical conditions, b) combining (B) the image pattern with the non-deformed pattern to form a test pattern (60), c) comparing (C) the test pattern with at least one reference pattern (70), and d) deducing (D) the compliance of the checked optical characteristic with the expected optical characteristic on the basis of the preceding comparison. A device for implementing such a checking method is also described.