Concierge refractive surgery · UK
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), delivered by a consultant refractive surgeon.
A soft biocompatible lens implanted behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens - a 20-minute per-eye procedure that corrects high short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant refractive surgeon
A named consultant with hundreds of ICL cases performs your surgery - not a fellow, not a trainee, not a delegated theatre slot.
- 02
ICL vs laser, honestly
We explain when SMILE, LASIK or Presbyond would suit you better, and when ICL is genuinely the right answer - before payment.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic or lens maker, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What icl (implantable contact lens) and its alternatives cost.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
EVO Visian ICL per eye: £4,500–£6,000, home the same hour.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVO Visian ICL (per eye) | £4,500–£6,000 | 15–20 min | Same day |
| EVO Visian ICL (both eyes package) | £8,500–£11,500 | 2 visits | Both eyes |
| Refractive consultation | £300–£500 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Biometry + endothelial cell count | £450–£800 | 45 min | Same visit |
| SMILE laser eye surgery (per eye) | £3,500–£5,000 | 10 min | Same day |
| YAG peripheral iridotomy (if older ICL) | £150–£350 | 5 min LA | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which consultant does the case, and by whether preoperative investigations are included or billed separately. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right refractive procedure - not just the one the clinic sells.
ICL is a superb answer for the right eye. It is not the only answer, and it is not always the best answer. A good consultation compares ICL fairly with SMILE, LASIK and lens exchange.
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Full biometry first
Anterior chamber depth, endothelial cell count and corneal topography - not just a manifest refraction.
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ICL vs laser vs lens exchange
A fair comparison across all three routes - with real trade-offs, not a sales pitch.
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Consultant-led theatre
The named consultant performs the operation from start to finish. No trainees on your case.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One consultant from first message to twelve-month check, with a lens ordered specifically to your eye.
Phase 1 · Before
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
Under a day at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us your prescription
A short, confidential form. Current prescription, whether you wear contacts, any previous eye issues.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right refractive surgeon, whether ICL or laser suits you better, and an indicative price per eye.
- 03
Before
Biometry and consultation
A detailed scan - including anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell count - and a consultation with the surgeon. Lens ordered to your eye, usually two to three weeks lead time.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and pre-op drops
Arrival, dilating and anaesthetic drops, and a chat with the surgeon and theatre team.
- 05
On the day
The operation itself
15 to 20 minutes per eye. You will see light and colour patterns but no needles or pain.
- 06
On the day
Home the same hour
A short observation, then home with a chaperone. Vision often improves within hours.
- 07
After
Reviews and second eye
Day-one and one-week reviews. Second eye usually done one to fourteen days after the first. One, three and twelve-month checks.
End to end: Typical end-to-end: 2–4 weeks from enquiry to first eye. Second eye: 1–14 days later.
When it helps
When icl (implantable contact lens) is the right step.
The situations that fit icl (implantable contact lens) - and the red flag that means an urgent assessment first, not a booking.
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High short-sight
Prescriptions from −6 D up to −18 D - often beyond the safe range for laser vision correction.
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Long-sight
Hyperopia up to +10 D, especially in patients whose corneas are not suitable for laser.
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Astigmatism
Toric ICL corrects up to 6 D of cylinder in one lens - often the missing piece for high myopic astigmatism.
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Thin corneas
Corneal thickness below the safe threshold for LASIK or SMILE - ICL removes no corneal tissue.
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Dry eye or intolerant of contacts
Where dry eye makes contact lenses unbearable and laser is contraindicated - ICL is often the cleanest answer.
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Sport or lifestyle
Boxing, martial arts and other contact-sport lifestyles where a corneal flap is undesirable.
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Career vision requirements
Aviation, military and professional-driving contexts that need excellent night vision - ICL preserves the natural cornea.
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Red flag: keratoconus or glaucoma
Suspicious corneal topography or glaucoma changes need dedicated assessment first - not a straight-to-surgery pathway.
Treatment options
ICL is one of several refractive options.
What each option involves - and which fits which pattern of prescription, cornea and lifestyle.
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EVO Visian ICL
The modern hole-in-the-centre design - no need for a YAG iridotomy, faster recovery. The procedure this page is about.
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EVO+ Visian ICL
A larger optic zone version - better night vision for patients with larger pupils.
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Toric ICL
The astigmatism-correcting version - a specific axis marked at surgery.
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SMILE laser eye surgery
Small-incision keyhole laser correction for suitable myopia and astigmatism up to about −10 D.
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LASIK
Flap-and-laser correction - well-established, wide prescription range, quicker recovery than PRK.
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Refractive lens exchange
Replaces the natural crystalline lens with a permanent IOL - usually for older patients or high hyperopia.
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Presbyond blended vision
Laser blended vision for reading with distance - for patients over 45.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of which procedure genuinely fits you - no obligation.
Our vetted network
A small panel of consultants, we picked them.
Consultant refractive surgeons across the UK certified by STAAR Surgical to implant the EVO Visian ICL, with dedicated ophthalmic day-case theatres.
Selection criteria
How we choose every consultant in our network.
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Consultant refractive surgeons certified by STAAR Surgical to implant EVO Visian ICL
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Full preoperative biometry including anterior chamber depth and endothelial cell count
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Operating in dedicated ophthalmic day-case theatres with modern microscopes
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Honest counselling on ICL vs SMILE, LASIK and lens exchange
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
ICL is a well-established procedure with a strong long-term safety record in appropriately selected eyes. The important things to plan are the drop schedule, the two-eye sequence, and knowing which uncommon complications to watch for.
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Topical anaesthetic
Drops numb the eye - no needles, no general anaesthetic. Light sedation is optional.
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Reversible
Unlike laser, ICL can be removed or exchanged if a prescription changes significantly.
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Rapid visual recovery
Useful vision the same day, near-normal vision by 24 hours in most cases.
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Endothelial cell loss
A small, slow loss of corneal endothelial cells over years - audited at each review. Rarely a problem in appropriately selected eyes.
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Cataract risk
A very small increase in the risk of early cataract, particularly with older ICL designs. EVO Visian design largely mitigates this.
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Rise in eye pressure
A transient rise in intraocular pressure is possible in the first days - controlled with drops if needed.
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Halos and glare
Some patients notice halos or glare at night, usually settling over the first three months.
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Dry eye
Milder and shorter-lived than after LASIK - most patients are through it in weeks, not months.
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Red flags
Severe pain, sudden vision drop, halos worsening at three months or curtain over vision - call the on-call surgeon the same day.
Reading your procedure note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever consultant does the procedure, the note you receive keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Clinical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Eye treated and lens implanted
Which eye, the ICL model, power, size and orientation (for toric lenses).
- 02 Technique
Incision and lens delivery
Incision size, injector used, and any intraoperative rotation of a toric lens to axis.
- 03 Findings
Vault and anterior chamber
Vault (space between the ICL and natural lens), anterior chamber depth and any small intraoperative events.
- 04 Impression
Expected recovery and review
Read this first: how vision should progress, drop schedule and when to review.
Recognised by major UK insurers
ICL is almost always self-pay - like all elective refractive surgery, it is not covered by UK health insurance. We help with financing options where relevant.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about icl (implantable contact lens).
Quick answers on how ICL compares to laser, pain, recovery, cost, reversibility and insurance.
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What is an ICL and how is it different from LASIK or SMILE?
The ICL is a soft biocompatible lens implanted inside the eye, behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. Laser procedures (LASIK, SMILE) reshape the cornea; the ICL leaves the cornea untouched and is reversible. That makes ICL the go-to option for very high prescriptions, thin corneas and dry eyes.
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Is ICL surgery painful?
No. Drops numb the eye and light sedation keeps you relaxed. You will see light and colour patterns during the 15- to 20-minute procedure per eye but no pain. Some grittiness for a day afterwards is normal.
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How quickly will my vision recover after ICL?
Vision is usually useful the same day and near-normal by 24 hours. Full stabilisation happens over four to six weeks. Most patients are back at a desk job in 24 to 48 hours.
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How much does ICL cost in the UK?
Roughly £4,500 to £6,000 per eye in our London and UK network, or £8,500 to £11,500 as a both-eye package. Prices include biometry, both surgeries and standard follow-up.
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Is ICL surgery reversible?
Yes - unlike laser vision correction, an ICL can be removed or exchanged if your prescription changes significantly, or if a cataract eventually needs a lens replacement in the future.
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Is ICL covered by insurance?
Almost never - like all elective refractive surgery, ICL is self-pay. Some employers and salary-sacrifice schemes offer support. We help with financing options where relevant.
Related
Looking for something else?
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SMILE Laser Eye Surgery
Small-incision keyhole laser correction.
Learn more -
Presbyond
Blended-vision laser for reading with distance.
Learn more -
Cataract Surgery
Lens replacement in older adults.
Learn more -
Send Enquiry
Tell us your prescription - we come back within a working day.
Learn more -
Dry Eye Clinic
A related treatment guide.
Learn more -
Glaucoma
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and treatment we arrange.
Learn more -
Macular Degeneration
Related condition guide.
Learn more
In practice, in the UK
Where ICL sits in a private UK refractive pathway
A high prescription, a thin cornea, dry eyes or a contact-sport lifestyle - a private ICL route means a consultant refractive surgeon and a proper preoperative work-up.
A private ICL programme means the named consultant does the case, a lens ordered specifically to your eye, and a proper follow-up out to twelve months.
Everything runs to CQC, GMC and Royal College standards; the choice is about consultant fit and whether ICL, laser or lens exchange is genuinely right for your eye.