UK · Lens replacement cost · 2026

How much is private lens replacement surgery? (UK 2026)

Private lens replacement surgery — also called refractive lens exchange (RLE) — costs from £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, all-inclusive. The intraocular lens you choose is the single biggest factor in the price. Here's what each lens type costs in 2026, exactly what an all-inclusive price should cover, and how to be treated within weeks.

From £2,900per eye, monofocal, all-inclusive
£3,796–£4,300per eye, EDOF / multifocal
Priced per eyeboth eyes roughly double
No GP referralneeded to go private

Private lens replacement surgery in the UK costs from about £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 per eye for an EDOF lens and £4,300 per eye for a multifocal or trifocal lens in 2026, all-inclusive. The price covers your consultation, biometry scans, the day-case surgery and theatre fee, your chosen intraocular lens, post-op drops and follow-up reviews. See the full breakdown on our refractive lens exchange cost guide.

How much does private lens replacement cost by lens?

Lens replacement removes your natural lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) chosen to correct your focus — the same technique used in cataract surgery, but done to reduce your reliance on glasses and remove any future risk of cataracts. What you pay depends mainly on the lens you choose. As a 2026 guide, per eye and all-inclusive:

Standard

Monofocal

£2,900

per eye, all-inclusive

  • Sharp vision at one distance
  • Reading glasses still needed
  • Lowest per-eye price
Premium

Multifocal / Trifocal

£4,300

per eye, all-inclusive

  • Near, intermediate & distance
  • Greatest spectacle freedom
  • Toric options for astigmatism

Toric versions of any lens, which also correct astigmatism, start from around £3,400 per eye. Choosing a premium intraocular lens raises the lens element of the price but not the surgical fee. For a deeper look at specific lenses, see our EDOF lens cost and trifocal lens cost guides, or compare the exact price per eye.

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What's included in the price?

A genuine all-inclusive lens replacement price should cover:

  • Consultant assessment & biometry — the specialist appointment and the scans that measure your eye for the correct lens power.
  • The day-case surgery & theatre fee — the operation itself, performed under local anaesthetic drops.
  • Your chosen intraocular lens — monofocal, EDOF or multifocal, including toric if you have astigmatism.
  • Post-op drops and follow-up reviews — typically at one week and four weeks.

Check any quote carefully — some advertised "from" prices exclude scans, the premium lens or aftercare. If freedom from reading glasses is your main goal, our presbyopia lens replacement guide explains the options.

Is the price per eye or for both eyes?

Lens replacement prices are almost always quoted per eye, so both eyes are roughly double the single-eye figure — from around £5,800 for monofocal lenses, about £7,592 for EDOF and around £8,600 for multifocal or trifocal lenses. Most patients treat both eyes, usually within one to two weeks of each other, or on the same day where clinically suitable. Always check on your written quote whether it covers one eye or two, and whether your preferred premium lens is included.

Lens replacement vs cataract surgery cost

The surgery is technically the same, so the pricing is very similar to private cataract surgery. The difference is the reason for treatment: cataract surgery removes a clouded lens, while refractive lens exchange corrects vision in an otherwise clear lens. If you are over 50 and weighing your options, read lens replacement vs laser eye surgery over 50, or learn more about the procedure on our refractive lens exchange page.

Finance and paying monthly

You do not have to pay the full per-eye price up front. 0% APR finance is widely available and lets you spread the cost of each eye over 12 months or longer — from approximately £242 a month per eye for a monofocal lens on a 12-month plan. See our 0% APR lens replacement finance and general finance options. You do not need a GP referral to pay privately — you can self-refer and usually be assessed within days. Eye Surgery Clinic provides consultant-led lens replacement across the South of England; find your nearest clinic location.

Frequently asked questions

Private lens replacement (refractive lens exchange) costs from about £2,900 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 per eye for an EDOF lens and £4,300 per eye for a multifocal or trifocal lens. Toric lenses that also correct astigmatism start from around £3,400 per eye. Prices are all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, the surgery and theatre fee, your intraocular lens, post-op drops and follow-up reviews.
Prices are usually quoted per eye, so both eyes are roughly double the single-eye figure — for example from around £5,800 for both eyes with monofocal lenses. Most patients treat both eyes within one to two weeks of each other. Always confirm on your written quotation whether it covers one eye or two.
The lens is the main price driver. A monofocal lens gives excellent vision at one distance and is the most affordable. Premium EDOF and multifocal lenses reduce your reliance on glasses across more distances, so they cost more. The surgical fee itself does not change with the lens.
Yes. 0% APR finance is widely available and lets you spread the per-eye cost over 12 months or longer — from approximately £242 a month per eye for a monofocal lens on a 12-month plan. Longer terms reduce the monthly amount.
The surgical technique is the same — the natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. The difference is the reason: cataract surgery treats a clouded lens, while refractive lens exchange corrects vision (and removes the future risk of cataracts) in an otherwise clear lens. Pricing and lens options are very similar.

Get an all-inclusive lens replacement quote

One fixed price, consultant-led care and a choice of premium lenses from £2,900 per eye. We'll match you with private lens replacement and a clear written quote. For sudden vision loss or eye pain, seek emergency care immediately.

Updated on 31 Aug 2026