The Visian Toric ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) is a soft, biocompatible lens placed inside the eye, in front of the natural lens, to correct both high short-sightedness and astigmatism in a single 20-30 minute day-case procedure. Unlike laser eye surgery, no corneal tissue is removed — making it ideal for higher prescriptions, thinner corneas or drier eyes. At our partner clinics, private Visian Toric ICL surgery starts from £3,900 per eye (around £7,800 for both), all-inclusive of assessment, the custom lens, surgery and aftercare. The lens stays in place permanently but is fully reversible — it can be removed or exchanged if your needs change.
What is a Visian Toric ICL?
An ICL is sometimes described as a "permanent contact lens that lives inside your eye." It is made from Collamer, a soft material containing collagen that is highly compatible with the eye's own tissues. The lens is positioned in the small space between the coloured iris and your natural lens, where it sits invisibly and works with your eye to focus light precisely onto the retina.
The toric version carries an additional built-in correction for astigmatism — the rugby-ball shaped cornea that blurs vision at every distance. During surgery the lens is rotated to a precise axis so that its astigmatism correction lines up with your eye, giving crisp, stable vision without glasses or contact lenses. The modern EVO platform also includes a central port that lets fluid flow naturally, removing the need for the laser iridotomy older ICLs once required.
Who is a Visian Toric ICL best for?
- High short-sightedness — prescriptions too strong for laser to correct safely
- Astigmatism — corrected by the toric design in the same lens
- Thin or irregular corneas — where removing tissue with laser is unwise
- Dry eyes — ICL does not affect the corneal nerves the way laser can
- People who want reversibility — the lens can be removed or updated later
- Active adults — typically aged 21-45 with a stable prescription
Not sure if you are suitable? A consultation includes corneal scans, pupil measurement and a check of the space inside your eye to confirm the ICL is right for you.
Book a suitability assessmentVisian Toric ICL vs laser and lens exchange
The ICL is one of three main ways to become less dependent on glasses. The best choice depends on your prescription, your age and the health of your cornea. Your consultant will talk you through all of them.
For younger patients with a stable, high prescription, the ICL keeps your natural lens and its focusing ability intact — a key advantage over lens exchange. Explore the full range on our ICL treatment page, or read about ICL for very high prescriptions in our guide to the EVO ICL for high myopia. If your astigmatism is being treated alongside a cataract instead, see the toric IOL for cataract surgery.
What happens during ICL surgery
Visian Toric ICL surgery is performed under local anaesthetic eye drops. You stay awake but feel no pain — only gentle pressure and light. Each eye takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the two eyes are often treated on the same day or a few days apart.
- Numbing drops are placed in your eye and the surrounding skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- A tiny self-sealing micro-incision is made at the edge of the cornea — no stitches are needed.
- The folded Collamer lens is inserted through the incision, where it gently unfolds inside the eye.
- The surgeon positions the lens behind the iris and rotates it to the exact axis so its toric correction lines up with your astigmatism.
- The eye is rinsed, the incision seals itself, and you rest briefly before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
ICL recovery is fast because the cornea is barely disturbed. Many patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within hours.
Day of surgery
Vision is hazy then clears through the day. Mild light sensitivity is normal. Rest, use your drops, and wear sunglasses outdoors. No rubbing the eye.
Day 1
Next-day review. Most patients already see clearly and can carry out light daily activities. Many return to desk work within a day or two.
Week 1
Vision is sharp and stable. Most normal activities resume — no swimming, eye rubbing or heavy contact sport yet. Drops continue.
Weeks 2-4
One-month review confirms the lens is perfectly positioned and the eye is healthy. Full return to exercise and swimming.
Long term
The lens stays in place quietly for the long term. A simple annual eye check confirms everything remains healthy. The lens can be removed or exchanged if ever needed.
Cost & insurance
Our Visian Toric ICL prices are all-inclusive: consultation and suitability scans, the custom toric lens, the surgery, theatre and hospital fees, post-op drops, and your follow-up reviews. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £3,900 per eye (around £7,800 for both eyes), all-inclusive.
- Insurance: elective refractive surgery is usually self-funded; we can advise if your policy contributes.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost — ask our team.
Compare ICL pricing across prescriptions on our ICL cost page.