Private lens replacement surgery (refractive lens exchange) for Poole patients starts from £2,800 per eye for a monofocal lens, £3,796 for an EDOF lens and £4,300 for a trifocal lens — all-inclusive of consultation, biometry, theatre, your intraocular lens and aftercare. Toric lenses that correct astigmatism start from £3,400 per eye. Our nearest partner clinic is in Highcliffe, around 25 minutes from Poole. Most patients across Dorset are seen within a week and treated within one to two weeks, with the same named consultant throughout and no GP referral required. RLE is the same procedure as cataract surgery, done before a cataract forms, so you will never develop a cataract in the treated eye.
Private lens replacement surgery cost in Poole
Refractive lens exchange (RLE), also called lens replacement surgery, replaces your eye's natural lens with a premium intraocular lens to reduce or end your reliance on glasses — a popular choice from your late 40s onwards, when reading glasses and progressive lenses start to take over. For patients near Poole, going private means choosing exactly the lens that suits your lifestyle, with fixed, all-inclusive pricing and no waiting list.
Because RLE is the same procedure as cataract surgery — done before a cataract forms — it also means you will never develop a cataract in the treated eye. The biggest factor in the price is the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, from a standard monofocal to a full-range trifocal.
| Lens type | From (per eye) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Monofocal IOL | £2,800 | Clear distance vision, or set for monovision |
| Toric monofocal | £3,400 | Correcting astigmatism at distance |
| EDOF IOL | £3,796 | Distance + intermediate (screens, dashboard) |
| Trifocal IOL | £4,300 | Greatest freedom from glasses at all distances |
Tired of reading glasses? An RLE consultation includes biometry scans and a full discussion of lens options tailored to your eyes and lifestyle.
Book a consultationLens (IOL) options
Choosing the right intraocular lens is the most important decision in lens replacement — it is permanent and determines how well you see, and at what distances, for the rest of your life. Most RLE patients choose a premium EDOF or trifocal lens for the greatest freedom from glasses.
Explore the detail on our refractive lens exchange and RLE cost guide pages, and see how it compares with laser on our lens replacement vs laser over 50 page. Toric versions correcting astigmatism are available from £3,400 per eye.
What happens during the procedure
Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops — you stay awake but feel no pain, only mild pressure and light. Each eye takes 15 to 25 minutes, and you will be at the clinic for around 2 to 3 hours including pre-op checks and a short rest afterwards.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the surrounding skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- The surgeon makes a tiny 2.2–2.8mm incision at the edge of the cornea — small enough to self-seal without stitches.
- Phacoemulsification uses a fine ultrasound probe to gently break up and remove the cloudy lens.
- Your chosen intraocular lens (IOL) is folded, inserted through the same incision, and locked into place.
- The eye is shielded and you rest for 30–60 minutes before heading home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most patients notice clearer vision within hours of surgery, with full healing over about a month.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Eye shield worn the first night. No driving or heavy lifting. Drops begin.
Days 1–3
Vision clears noticeably. Mild grittiness or watering is normal. Gentle activities and reading resume.
Week 1
First post-op review. Most patients are back to driving, working and walking — no swimming or eye-rubbing yet.
Weeks 2–4
Vision refines further. Drops continue. New glasses prescription (if needed) at week 4–6.
Beyond a month
Vision is settled. Second eye scheduled if both are being treated.
What is included in your Poole price
Our lens replacement prices are genuinely all-inclusive — there are no hidden extras:
- Self-pay: from £2,800 per eye (monofocal); £3,796 EDOF; £4,300 trifocal.
- Insurance: refractive lens exchange is elective, but we can advise on cover for any clinically indicated lens surgery.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost.
For the national picture see our refractive lens exchange cost guide and presbyopia lens replacement cost, plus the treatment overview at refractive lens exchange.