Lens application goals
Successful lens application means these 4 things:
You got the lens to your eye while it was still full of saline.
You positioned the lens correctly - that is, it is (a) centered and (b) correctly aligned [note: only applies to lenses with alignment dots].
You released the lens onto the eye at the correct moment. [Note: Only applies if using conventional plunger with suction.]
There are no air bubbles.
Challenges you may face
Spreading the lids wide enough
Keeping the lens full of saline till it is on the eye. (Tremor?)
Overcoming a strong "flinch" response
Getting a feel for the moment to release
Detecting bubbles afterwards