A private lens replacement consultation is a 45–60 minute consultant assessment that confirms whether refractive lens exchange (RLE) suits you, measures your eye with biometry scans and recommends the right intraocular lens. It typically costs £200–£350, is often redeemable against surgery, and you can self-refer without a GP letter — most patients are seen within days. If you proceed, surgery starts from £3,000 per eye, all-inclusive.
What happens at a lens replacement consultation
Refractive lens exchange replaces your eye's natural lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) to correct long sight, short sight and the age-related loss of near focus (presbyopia). It is the same operation as cataract surgery, carried out before a cataract has formed. Your consultation is where that plan is made:
- History & goals — your prescription, lifestyle and what you want from your vision (driving, screens, reading without glasses).
- Eye health check — a slit-lamp examination and dilated look at the retina to confirm you are a suitable candidate.
- Biometry scans — precise measurements of the eye to calculate the exact lens power.
- Lens recommendation — your surgeon explains which monofocal, EDOF or multifocal lens best fits your eyes and goals.
For a fuller explanation of the assessment itself, see our lens replacement consultation guide and what to expect at your consultation.
How to book your consultation
The pathway is simple and does not need a GP referral:
Day 0 — Enquire
Request a consultation online or by phone. Our team calls you back, usually within one working day, to arrange your assessment.
Within days — Consultant assessment
A consultant ophthalmologist checks your eye health, performs biometry and recommends the best lens for your vision goals.
Decide at your pace
You receive a clear written quote. There is no obligation to proceed, and the consultation fee is often redeemable against surgery.
Surgery & reviews
If you go ahead, the day-case procedure takes about 15 minutes per eye, followed by 1-week and 4-week reviews.
Ready to book? Request a lens replacement consultation and our team will call you back within one working day.
Request a consultationLens options you'll discuss
The lens you choose determines how well — and at what distances — you will see afterwards, and is the main factor in the price. Your consultant will recommend the best option for your eyes.
If your main goal is freedom from reading glasses, ask about presbyopia lens replacement. For the full price breakdown, see our refractive lens exchange cost guide.
Cost & finance
- Consultation: typically £200–£350, often redeemable against surgery.
- Self-pay surgery: from £3,000 per eye, rising to around £3,800 per eye for premium EDOF, multifocal or toric lenses.
- Insurance: RLE is usually elective, but we handle authorisation where a policy applies.
- Finance: 0% APR plans spread the cost over 12–24 months.
Where you can be seen
We arrange consultant-led lens replacement consultations at clinics across the South of England. Choose your nearest on our locations page, or meet your surgeon first — browse our consultant surgeons.