Lens replacement surgery Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£3,000–£4,500 per eye

Published UK eye clinic prices, October 2026.

On the NHSNot for vision correction

Lens replacement to correct your vision (refractive lens exchange) isn't usually available on the NHS. The NHS does provide cataract surgery when it's clinically needed.

What's usually included

Prices usually include the consultation and tests, surgery, the lens implant, eye drops and aftercare for a set period. YAG laser treatment for later clouding, and appointments after the aftercare period, are often extra.

Example published prices

Optical Express: single focus from £2,000 per eye; multifocal from £3,495 per eye (source)
Optimax: monofocal £2,995 per eye; multifocal £3,450 per eye (source)
Optegra: monofocal £3,495 per eye; multifocal £4,195 per eye (source)
Moorfields Private (London): approximately £4,500 to £5,500 per eye (consultation £195) (source)

Need cataract surgery rather than vision correction? See our cataract surgery price guide.

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. The clinic, your location and what your treatment involves can all change the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Will insurance help pay?

Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for lens replacement surgery, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans; check the interest rate and terms carefully before you agree.

Health insurance is still worth knowing about for other things: it can pay for private diagnosis and treatment of new medical conditions. See what cover costs.

Private cataract surgery costs →

Questions and answers

How much does lens replacement surgery cost in the UK?

Refractive lens exchange usually costs £3,000 to £4,500 per eye. Single-focus (monofocal) lenses are at the lower end and multifocal or premium lenses at the top. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of lens replacement surgery?

Will health insurance pay for lens replacement surgery?

Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for lens replacement surgery, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans.

Can I get lens replacement surgery on the NHS instead?

Lens replacement to correct your vision (refractive lens exchange) isn't usually available on the NHS. The NHS does provide cataract surgery when it's clinically needed. Ask your GP whether you're eligible in your area.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does lens replacement surgery cost?

What's usually included

Example published prices

Will insurance help pay?

Questions and answers

Other treatment costs

Also comparing private health insurance?