A transparent and abrasion resistant coating which includes a transparent matrix, relatively large-sized abrasion resistant ceramic particles and nanosized ceramic particles for raising the index of refraction of the matrix to that of the abrasion resistant ceramic particles. The present coating provides a scratch resistant coatings for use on plastic substrates, which are needed in a variety of applications such as, high index ophthalmic and sportswear lenses, as well as automobile side windows and aircraft cockpit applications.