the current invention relates to a lens surfacing assembly and a method for grinding and polishing glass or plastic optical lenses . the assembly is primarily intended for use with a rigid lapping tool and a typical lens grinding machine . the lens surfacing assembly comprises a strippable adhesive member that is attached to the lapping tool for use throughout the grinding and polishing operation for attachment of a reversible , double sided lens surfacing pad having a coarse surface on one side and a fine surface on the other . after the grinding has been completed , the reversible pad is removed and a polishing cloth is attached to the adhesive member . the combined thickness of the pad and the adhesive member is equal to the compensation designed into the radius of curvature of the lapping tool arcuate surface . the combined thickness of the polishing cloth and the adhesive member is also equal to the compensation designed into the lapping tool .