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Refractive Lens Exchange at Battersea Hospital
OUR SERVICES

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Consultant-led eye care using modern diagnostic and surgical techniques.

Refractive lens exchange is a consultant-led option for suitable patients seeking to reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. We assess your eye health and visual goals carefully, then discuss lens choices, expected outcomes and recovery.

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What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery, is an advanced procedure that replaces your eye's natural lens with a premium artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure is similar to cataract surgery but is performed before a cataract develops.

RLE is an excellent option for people over the age of 45 who experience age-related vision changes such as presbyopia, or who have high levels of long-sightedness or short-sightedness that may not be suitable for laser eye surgery. Premium multifocal or extended depth of focus lenses can provide clear vision at multiple distances, allowing many patients to enjoy greater visual freedom.

At Battersea Hospital, our experienced ophthalmologists use advanced diagnostic technology and premium lens options to deliver personalised treatment and exceptional visual outcomes.

TREATMENT DETAILS

At a Glance.

Procedure Time

20–30 Minutes per Eye

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Anaesthetic

Local Anaesthetic Eye Drops

Recovery Time

1–2 Weeks

Return to Work

2–5 Days

Exercise

2 Weeks

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Is it Right for Me?

Refractive Lens Exchange may be suitable if you:

A comprehensive eye examination with one of our specialist ophthalmologists will determine whether Refractive Lens Exchange is the right treatment for your vision and lifestyle.

  • Are over the age of 45 and rely on reading glasses.
  • Have presbyopia affecting your near vision.
  • Have a strong glasses prescription.
  • Are not a suitable candidate for laser eye surgery.
  • Want less dependence on glasses.
  • Want lasting vision correction.
WHY CHOOSE US

Why Choose Battersea Hospital?

01

Experienced Ophthalmic Surgeons

Our consultant eye surgeons specialise in advanced lens replacement procedures using the latest surgical techniques.

02

Premium Intraocular Lenses

We offer a range of high-quality monofocal, multifocal, and extended depth of focus lenses to suit your individual visual needs.

03

Personalised Vision Planning

Every treatment plan is tailored to your eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and visual expectations.

04

Advanced Surgical Technology

We use modern microsurgical equipment and precision diagnostics to deliver safe, accurate, and predictable results.

05

Comprehensive Aftercare

Our dedicated team provides ongoing follow-up appointments to monitor healing and optimise your visual outcome.

OUR SERVICES

Real Patients. Real Results.

Many patients achieve greater freedom from glasses and enjoy clearer vision at multiple distances following Refractive Lens Exchange.Discover how our experienced ophthalmologists have helped patients improve their vision and quality of life through advanced lens replacement surgery.

VIEW BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERY

Patient Reviews

MEET YOUR SURGEONS

Choose Your Consultant

Refractive Lens Exchange consultations are available with Dr Sancy Low and Mr Simon Horgan. Your consultant will assess your concerns, discuss the available options and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Mr Robbie Walker

MA (Oxon) MBBS FRCOphth MEd

GMC: 7043493

Cataract Surgery Vitrectomy

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Dr Sancy Low

MB BS BSc (Hons) PhD FRCOphth CertLRS

GMC: 6055279

Cataract Surgery RLE/ICL Lens Replacement Glaucoma

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Mr Simon Horgan

FRCS, FRCOphth

GMC: 3122882

Cataract Surgery AMD Injections Excision of pterygium

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TREATMENT PRICING

Cost

The cost of Refractive Lens Exchange depends on the type of intraocular lens selected, whether one or both eyes are treated, and your personalised treatment plan.

Following your consultation, you'll receive a detailed quotation outlining all associated costs with complete transparency.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

Price on consultation

REQUEST A PERSONALISED QUOTE

Finance Options Available

Our Patient Care Team will be happy to discuss the available options and help you find the most suitable payment plan before or during your consultation.

  • 6 or 10 months interest-free (0% APR)
  • 12 to 60 month finance options (14.9%)
  • Simple online application process
  • Fast approval decisions
  • Flexible monthly repayments
Smiling clinician holding a tablet
OUR SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know.

Appointments and Consultations

What is the difference between Refractive Lens Exchange and cataract surgery?

The procedure itself is very similar. The main difference is that Refractive Lens Exchange is performed to correct vision before a cataract develops, while cataract surgery removes a clouded lens that is already affecting vision.

Many patients experience significantly reduced dependence on glasses. However, this depends on the type of lens implanted, your prescription, and your individual visual needs.

No. The procedure is performed using anaesthetic eye drops, and most patients experience little or no discomfort during surgery.

No. Because your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, you cannot develop cataracts in the treated eye in the future.

Need Expert Assistance?

If you're looking for a long-term solution to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, our experienced ophthalmologists are here to help.

Book a consultation today to discuss your vision goals and discover whether Refractive Lens Exchange is the right treatment for you.

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