Implantable Contact Lenses in Queensland

ICL surgery is a fully reversible alternative to laser surgery that involves placing a biocompatible Collamer lens inside the eye. Unlike laser eye surgery, no corneal tissue is removed or altered. The lens corrects refractive errors by changing how light focuses on the retina, delivering crisp, clear vision.

At Focus Vision, ICL surgery costs $7,000 per eye — and importantly, this price includes the anaesthetist fee, which many other clinics charge separately. Interest-free payment plans are available from $68 per week. For comparison, our major competitor VSON charges $7,262.40 per eye, not including the anaesthetist. There are no hidden extras at Focus Vision.

ICL is not necessarily better or worse than LASIK — it is better suited for different patients. ICL is typically recommended for people with high prescriptions (particularly myopia beyond -6.00 dioptres), thin corneas unsuitable for laser reshaping, or significant dry eye disease. Because ICL does not touch the cornea, it preserves all corneal tissue, maintains normal corneal nerves, and does not cause or worsen dry eye. LASIK is faster to recover from and is the right choice for the majority of patients with low to moderate prescriptions and healthy corneas.

ICL is suitable for patients over 21 with a stable prescription for at least one year, who do not have glaucoma, cataracts, or certain other eye diseases. It is particularly well-suited to patients with myopia up to approximately -18.00 dioptres, hyperopia up to +8.00 dioptres, and astigmatism up to 5.00 dioptres. Anterior chamber depth and other anatomical measurements are assessed at your free assessment to confirm suitability.

The ICL procedure itself takes less than 30 minutes per eye and is performed in a day hospital under heavy sedation — most patients are essentially asleep and have no memory of the procedure. Vision typically improves dramatically within 24 hours. Most patients take approximately one week off work and driving. Full stabilisation occurs within two to four weeks.

ICL is a long-term vision correction solution, but unlike laser eye surgery it is fully reversible. The lens can be removed or replaced by a qualified surgeon if your vision changes significantly, if you develop cataracts later in life, or for any other clinical reason. This reversibility is considered one of ICL's key advantages over corneal laser procedures.

Medicare does not cover ICL surgery when performed purely for elective vision correction. Your Focus Vision surgeon will clarify this at your consultation. Private health insurance extras cover may provide a partial benefit for some patients.

Focus Vision's ICL procedures are performed exclusively by Dr Brendan Cronin and Dr David Gunn — corneal subspecialists who completed fellowship training overseas. All surgery takes place in the South Brisbane Day Hospital, a fully accredited private day hospital, ensuring the highest standards of safety and sterility. Our all-inclusive pricing means no surprise bills after your procedure.