UK · Lens replacement consultation · 2026

Private lens replacement surgery consultation (UK)

A lens replacement consultation is where a consultant ophthalmologist confirms whether refractive lens exchange (RLE) is right for you, measures your eye and recommends the best intraocular lens. It typically costs around £200–£350 — often redeemable against surgery — and you can self-refer without a GP letter.

~£200–£350typical consultation fee
From £3,000per eye, surgery if you proceed
Seen in daysno GP referral needed
45–60 minconsultant assessment & scans
Book a lens replacement consultationFind your nearest clinic

A private lens replacement consultation involves a consultant ophthalmologist assessing your eye health and prescription, performing biometry scans and recommending the intraocular lens best suited to your vision goals. It typically costs £200–£350, often redeemable against surgery, and no GP referral is required. If you proceed, refractive lens exchange starts from about £3,000 per eye. Learn more about lens replacement (RLE).

What happens at a lens replacement consultation?

Your consultation is a thorough assessment led by a consultant ophthalmic surgeon. It usually takes 45–60 minutes and covers:

  • Eye health check — a slit-lamp examination and dilated look at the front and back of the eye to confirm you are a suitable candidate.
  • Prescription and vision testing — measuring your short-sight, long-sight, astigmatism and reading vision.
  • Biometry scans — precise measurements of the eye used to calculate the correct intraocular lens power.
  • Lens discussion — comparing monofocal, EDOF and multifocal options and what each means for glasses freedom.
  • A clear written quote — an all-inclusive price for your recommended lens.

Ready to find out if lens replacement is right for you? Book a consultant-led assessment near you.

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Consultation and surgery cost

The consultation fee is typically £200–£350 and is often redeemable against the cost of surgery if you go ahead. Refractive lens exchange itself is priced mainly by the lens you choose:

Monofocal RLE

From £3,000 per eye. Sharp vision at one distance; reading glasses still needed.

EDOF lens

Around £3,500–£4,200 per eye. Extended range of focus, less reliance on glasses.

Trifocal / multifocal

Around £4,000–£5,000 per eye. Distance, intermediate and near vision for the greatest spectacle freedom.

See the full national breakdown on our refractive lens exchange cost page, or the presbyopia lens replacement guide if reading vision is your priority.

What's included and what to bring

A transparent lens replacement package should include the consultant assessment and biometry, your chosen premium intraocular lens, the day-case surgery and theatre fee, and all routine follow-up appointments and eye-drop medication. Read more about lens replacement surgery and how it compares in our lens replacement vs laser guide. To your consultation, bring your latest prescription (if you have it), a list of medications and details of your general health.

How to book your consultation

You do not need a GP referral to book privately — you can self-refer, choose your consultant and usually be assessed within days. Eye Surgery Clinic provides consultant-led private lens replacement care and clear written quotes across the South of England; choose your nearest clinic location and request an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

At your consultation a consultant ophthalmologist reviews your eye health and prescription, performs biometry scans to measure your eye and discusses which intraocular lens — monofocal, EDOF or multifocal — best suits your vision goals. You leave with a clear recommendation and an all-inclusive written quote.
A private lens replacement (refractive lens exchange) consultation typically costs around £200–£350, and this fee is often redeemable against the cost of surgery if you go ahead. The surgery itself is from about £3,000 per eye depending on the lens you choose.
No. You can self-refer for a private lens replacement consultation, choose your own consultant and usually be assessed within days at a clinic near you.
Most patients are offered a consultation within days. After your assessment you can usually schedule surgery within one to two weeks, with the second eye shortly afterwards where both are being treated.
Bring your current or most recent glasses or contact lens prescription if you have it, a list of any medications, and details of your general health. This helps your consultant plan the most suitable lens and confirm you are a good candidate.

Book your private lens replacement consultation

Consultant-led assessment, honest advice on the right lens for your eyes, and a clear all-inclusive price. Self-referral accepted; self-pay and finance options. For sudden vision loss or eye pain, seek emergency care immediately.

Request an appointmentFind your nearest clinic

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Updated on 3 Aug 2026