Method and system of manufacturing silicone hydrogel contact lenses

Methods and apparatus for separating mold sections (3,5), removing a lens product (852) from the separated mold sections (3,5), and transferring the lens product (852) to a processing tray (860) are provided and include contacting assembled mold sections (3,5) with a warm fluid to break fused portions between the mold sections (3,5), and using one or more wedge shaped elements (610) to pry apart and separate the mold sections (3,5), one from the other. A vacuum head (810) having multiple vacuum ports (844) is employed for lifting the newly molded lens product (852) from a mold section (3,5) and for releasing the lens from the vacuum head (810) into a processing tray (860). A cylinder of flowing air directed around the circumference of the lens (852) is effective to maintain the lens (852) in an unfolded position as the lens (852) is being released into the processing tray (860). A tray set (912) including multiple trays (914,914') holding multiple lenses is provided and includes features for enabling visual and/or mechanical distinction of the trays (914,914') and lenses held thereby.