The invention concerns a process for replacing an initial outermost coating layer of a coated optical lens with a layer of a new final coating having surface properties different from those of said initial outermost coating which comprises:(a) providing a coated optical lens having an initial outermost coating layer having a surface contact angle with water of at least 65.degree.;(b) subjecting the initial outermost coating layer to a treatment with activated chemical species at about atmospheric pressure, and for less than one minute, in order there is obtained a treated surface having a contact angle with water of 10.degree. or less; and(c) depositing on said treated surface a layer of a final coating having surface properties different from those of said initial outermost coating.