Ascot, Berkshire
Private lens replacement surgery with Miss Hala Ali FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmologist, at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot.
Book a ConsultationRefractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also called lens replacement surgery or clear lens extraction, is a procedure in which the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to correct refractive errors such as high myopia, high hyperopia, or presbyopia. It uses the same surgical technique as cataract surgery but is performed electively in patients who do not yet have a cataract, primarily to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
RLE is typically recommended for patients whose prescription is too high for laser eye surgery to treat safely, or for patients aged 50 and above who want to address both distance and reading vision at the same time. Because the natural lens is permanently removed, patients who have RLE will not develop a cataract in that eye in the future.
Miss Hala Ali offers private RLE consultations for patients in Ascot and the surrounding area at Heatherwood Hospital, Brook Avenue, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7GB, with Thursday and Friday clinic appointments available.
Miss Hala Ali holds FRCOphth (Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists), CertLRS (Certificate in Laser Refractive Surgery), and an MSc in Cataract and Refractive Surgery with Distinction. She completed subspecialty fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery.
Miss Hala Ali is an examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and a Surgical Skills Tutor, reflecting her standing within the UK ophthalmology training community.
Miss Hala Ali has presented research and clinical work at leading international ophthalmology conferences including ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons), ASCRS, and ARVO.
Ascot patients are seen at Heatherwood Hospital, Brook Avenue, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7GB. Thursday and Friday clinic appointments are available.
RLE is not suitable for everyone, and a full consultation and examination is required before any recommendation can be made. That said, it is most commonly considered in the following situations:
If you are unsure whether RLE or another approach is more appropriate for your situation, the consultation with Miss Hala Ali will include a full assessment of your prescription, corneal measurements, and lens status before any recommendation is made.
Your initial consultation with Miss Hala Ali will include a detailed review of your prescription history, corneal topography, biometry measurements to calculate the correct lens power, and an assessment of the health of your eyes. Miss Hala Ali will discuss the lens options available to you, explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, and provide a written quote before any decision is made. There is no obligation to proceed.
RLE is performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic drops. Each eye is treated in a separate session, usually a week or two apart. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per eye. The natural lens is removed using phacoemulsification (ultrasound energy) and replaced with a foldable artificial IOL through a small self-sealing incision. Stitches are not usually required.
Most patients notice an improvement in vision within 24 hours and return to normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days. Vision continues to settle over the following weeks. You will be advised to avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for a short period. Miss Hala Ali will provide personalised post-operative instructions and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Refractive Lens Exchange and cataract surgery use exactly the same surgical technique: the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial IOL. The difference is the reason for having the procedure. Cataract surgery is performed because the natural lens has become cloudy (a cataract) and is impairing vision. RLE is performed electively in a patient whose lens is still clear, specifically to correct a refractive error and reduce dependence on glasses.
If you are researching lens surgery because you have been told you have a cataract, or if you are unsure whether you have one, you may find the cataract surgery page for Ascot patients more relevant to your situation.
The choice of intraocular lens is one of the most important decisions in RLE. Miss Hala Ali will not recommend a specific lens until she has reviewed your measurements and understood your visual priorities and lifestyle. The main lens categories available are:
Corrects vision at one distance, usually distance. Most patients with a monofocal lens will still need reading glasses for close work. Monofocal lenses have a long track record and are suitable for a wide range of patients.
A monofocal or multifocal lens with an additional correction for astigmatism built in. Suitable for patients whose cornea has an irregular curvature that would otherwise reduce the quality of the result.
Provides a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate (computer screen distance), with reduced dependence on glasses. EDOF lenses generally produce fewer visual side effects such as halos than traditional multifocal lenses.
Designed to provide good vision at distance, intermediate, and near, with the aim of reducing or eliminating the need for glasses at all distances. Multifocal lenses suit patients who are highly motivated to be glasses-free and who are prepared for a period of visual adaptation.
New patient consultation
£250
Follow-up consultation
£200
The cost of the RLE procedure itself is confirmed at consultation, as it depends on the lens type selected and the complexity of your prescription. Miss Hala Ali will provide a full written quote before any decision is made.
Refractive Lens Exchange performed for vision correction without a cataract diagnosis is generally not covered by private medical insurance, as it is considered an elective procedure. Self-pay patients are welcome.
Miss Hala Ali is recognised by all major private medical insurers:
Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Allianz Worldwide Care, WPA, Aviva, The Exeter, Healix Health, General & Medical, Cigna, Aetna.
Heatherwood Hospital, Brook Avenue, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7GB
Heatherwood Hospital is located on Brook Avenue in Ascot, just off the A330. The hospital is easily accessible from Ascot town centre, Windsor, Bracknell, and Wokingham. Free patient parking is available on site. Ascot railway station is approximately one mile away, with regular services from London Waterloo and Reading.
Patients travelling from Sunningdale, Virginia Water, or Egham will find the hospital straightforward to reach via the A30 or A329. Patients from Windsor can travel via the A332 or B3022.
Yes. Once the natural lens has been removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), the procedure is permanent and cannot be reversed. Because the natural lens has been removed, you will not develop a cataract in that eye in the future.
No GP referral is required for a private consultation with Miss Hala Ali. You can book directly online at halaali.co.uk/book or by calling 01276 942026. Thursday and Friday appointments are available at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot.
Laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK) reshapes the cornea and leaves the natural lens in place. RLE removes the natural lens and replaces it with an artificial IOL. RLE is typically recommended for patients with high prescriptions outside the safe range for laser treatment, or patients aged 50 and above with presbyopia. A consultation is required to determine which approach is suitable for you.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days. Vision typically stabilises within a few weeks. You will be advised to avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for a short period. Miss Hala Ali will provide personalised recovery guidance at your consultation.
This depends on the type of intraocular lens chosen. Monofocal lenses correct vision at one distance, so reading glasses may still be needed. Multifocal and EDOF lenses are designed to reduce dependence on glasses at multiple distances. The most suitable lens for your lifestyle is discussed at your consultation.
RLE performed purely for vision correction without a cataract diagnosis is generally not covered by private medical insurance, as it is considered an elective procedure. Miss Hala Ali is recognised by all major insurers. Self-pay patients are welcome and a full written quote is provided before any decision is made.
Miss Hala Ali also sees patients at Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley. If Camberley is more convenient for you, visit the dedicated Camberley page for clinic days and location details.
Refractive Lens Exchange in CamberleyTo find out whether RLE is suitable for you, book a private consultation with Miss Hala Ali at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot. Thursday and Friday appointments are available.
01276 942026