Refractive lens exchange · Sydney
RLE may help you with
Book a complimentary assessment with Dr Alison Chiu to discuss whether RLE is right for you, your options, and what to expect.
About the procedure
Refractive lens exchange, also called lens replacement or clear lens exchange, replaces your eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens chosen for your eyes and designed to last a lifetime. It can correct long-sightedness, short-sightedness, astigmatism, and age-related near-vision changes.
RLE uses the same technique as modern cataract surgery. It is performed under local anaesthetic, takes around 15 to 20 minutes per eye, and because the natural lens is permanently replaced, cataracts cannot develop in that eye later.
Is RLE right for you?
RLE tends to suit patients whose eyes are better matched to a lens-based solution than to laser or ICL. During your assessment we confirm whether it is an appropriate option for you.
Adults developing the age-related loss of near focus.
Long-sightedness where laser correction may be less stable.
Where prescription or eye anatomy rules those out.
Patients over 55 to 60 noticing natural lens changes.
Compare your options
Refractive lens exchange is one of several ways to correct vision. The right option depends on your age, prescription, and eye anatomy. This is a general guide, not a recommendation; your assessment determines what suits you.
LASIK, PRK, SMILE Pro
AGES 21–45
Best for stable prescriptions and low to moderate correction. Reshapes the cornea to correct vision.
Implantable Contact Lens
AGES 18–45
Best for higher prescriptions and thinner corneas. Places a lens inside the eye without removing the natural lens.
AGES 45+
Best for presbyopia, higher hyperopia, and eyes approaching cataract development. Replaces the natural lens with a permanent intraocular lens.
Your journey
Every patient follows a considered pathway, with the same surgeon from consultation through to recovery.
Book online or call our team to arrange a comprehensive vision assessment.
We examine your eyes in detail and explain whether RLE is a suitable option.
Performed under local anaesthetic, around 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Vision improves within days, settling further over the following weeks.
Scheduled reviews to check your eyes are healing as expected.
Lens options
There is no single lens that is right for everyone. During your examination we explain which lens types suit your eyes and your goals.
Clear vision at one set distance, usually distance. Glasses may still help for near tasks.
Extended depth of focus. A continuous range of vision, often with fewer visual side effects than multifocal lenses.
Distance, intermediate, and near vision. Some patients notice halos or glare, especially at night.
Available across lens types to help correct astigmatism.
Your surgeon
Specialist Eye Surgeon · FRANZCO, PhD, MBBS (Hons), BMedSc (Hons I), Grad Dip Refractive Surgery
Dr Alison Chiu has a special interest in complex cataract surgery and is experienced in refractive vision correction, having contributed to the success of over 40,000 laser vision corrections at one of Australia's leading refractive surgical centres. She combines advanced surgical skill with a patient-centred approach, and will talk you through your options, the risks, and what recovery involves.
Voted among Sydney's Best Laser Eye Surgery Clinics, 2022 to 2025, by Top Experts.
Dr Chiu completed her medical degree with Honours at the University of Sydney. She also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and, following a dedicated research year, graduated with First Class Honours. Dr Chiu has completed a PhD from the University of Sydney, supported by prestigious scholarships at University College London and Cambridge University.
Dr Alison Chiu
Ready to find out more?
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Book a consultation to determine whether RLE is suitable for you, and always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
It is against AHPRA guidelines for us to advertise our payment options in detail. You are welcome to call us to discuss your options in person.
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