Camberley, Surrey
Private lens replacement surgery with Miss Hala Ali FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmologist, at Parkside Suite Frimley.
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 over 50 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 Camberley and the surrounding areas at Parkside Suite Frimley, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ.
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.
Camberley patients are seen at Parkside Suite, Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ. Monday evening clinics are available.
RLE is performed as a day-case procedure, meaning you go home the same day. 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 eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops so the procedure is not painful. A small incision is made at the edge of the cornea. The natural lens is broken up using ultrasound energy (phacoemulsification) and gently removed. A foldable artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted through the same small incision and positioned where the natural lens sat. The incision is self-sealing and does not usually require stitches.
Most patients notice an improvement in vision within 24 hours. Vision continues to settle over the following weeks as the eye adapts to the new lens. Miss Hala Ali will provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions at your consultation.
RLE is most commonly considered for patients in the following situations. Suitability is always confirmed after a full consultation and examination.
RLE is not suitable for everyone. A full assessment including biometry measurements and a review of your prescription history is required before any recommendation can be made.
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 Camberley patients more relevant to your situation.
Several types of intraocular lens are available. The most suitable lens depends on your prescription, lifestyle, and visual priorities, and is discussed and agreed at your consultation. Miss Hala Ali will not recommend a specific lens until she has reviewed your measurements and understood what matters most to you.
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.
Designed to provide 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. Please do check this in advance. 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.
Parkside Suite, Frimley Park Hospital, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 7UJ
Parkside Suite Frimley is located at Frimley Park Hospital on Portsmouth Road, approximately 2 miles south of Camberley town centre. The journey by car takes around 5 to 10 minutes from Camberley via the A325. Free patient parking is available on site. The hospital is also accessible by bus from Camberley bus station, with services running along Portsmouth Road.
If you are travelling from Farnborough, Fleet, or Aldershot, the hospital is straightforward to reach via the A325 or A331. Patients from Guildford typically travel via the A331 northbound.
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, which is an additional long-term benefit for many patients.
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.
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 Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot. If Ascot is more convenient for you, visit the dedicated Ascot page for clinic days and location details.
Refractive Lens Exchange in AscotTo find out whether RLE is suitable for you, book a private consultation with Miss Hala Ali at Parkside Suite Frimley. Appointments are available on Monday evenings.
01276 942026