A method for producing the optical coating is further provided whereby the hydrogel is made by the process comprising polymerizing in water, (a) a first oligomer of the formula wherein R1 is a hydroxyl or C1-C4 alkoxy; R2 is a C2-C4 alkoxy; R3 is ???O??? or ???CO???; R4, R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, or C1-C4 alkyl; and n is 1-25; with (b) a second oligomer of the formula wherein R8 is H o