The efficient, controlled polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is achieved using atom transfer radical polymerization in methanol/water mixtures or pure methanol at 20 degreesC. The evolution of molecular weight with conversion is linear; polydispersities are around 1.1 for polymerization in methanol and around 1.2-1.3 for syntheses in 50:50 methanol/water mixtures, indicating good living character.