Core locking assembly and method for orientation of asymmetric tooling

An apparatus and method is provided for injection molding an ophthalmic lens mold section having an optical surface and a non-optical surface opposite the optical surface. The apparatus includes a non-optical tool assembly for forming the non-optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section. An optical tool assembly is in opposed relation to the non-optical tool assembly and together therewith forms a mold cavity for forming the ophthalmic lens mold section. In the preferred embodiment, the optical tool assembly includes a rotatably mounted core member and an optical insert removably secured the core member. The optical insert has an optical molding surface for forming an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section opposite the non-optical surface thereof. A locking mechanism having, in a preferred embodiment, a locking pin selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin allows rotation of the core member and a second position wherein the pin prevents the core member from rotation.