ICL Surgery in Brisbane: A Clear Solution When LASIK Isn’t an Option

If you’ve been told that laser eye surgery isn’t suitable for your eyes—or if you’ve never felt comfortable with the idea of permanent corneal reshaping—implantable contact lenses (ICLs) could be the vision correction option you’ve been looking for.

ICL surgery is a highly specialised procedure that places a soft, flexible lens inside the eye to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism. The lens is invisible, maintenance-free, and—unlike laser surgery—completely reversible.

For patients in Brisbane and across Queensland, Dr David Gunn offers state-of-the-art ICL surgery using the latest Visian ICL technology. If you’ve been searching for a high-definition vision solution that doesn’t involve permanent laser reshaping or lens replacement, read on.

Who Should Consider ICL Surgery?

ICL surgery is ideal for people who:

• Have very high prescriptions outside the safe limits for LASIK or SMILE

• Have thin corneas or irregular corneal shape (making laser unsafe)

• Experience dry eyes, which can be worsened by laser surgery

• Have keratoconus or early corneal instability

• Are over 40 but not suited to lens replacement (e.g. due to risk of retinal detachment)

• Want a reversible solution with excellent visual quality

Dr Gunn often sees patients who’ve been turned away from laser clinics due to corneal thickness or prescription strength. These patients typically achieve excellent results with ICLs and are relieved to learn there’s a safe, long-term alternative available.

What Makes ICLs Different?

The ICL is placed behind the iris and in front of the eye’s natural lens. It works much like a traditional contact lens—but it stays in place inside your eye. Once implanted, you cannot feel or see the lens. It moves with your eye, offers sharp vision, and doesn’t require any cleaning or maintenance.

Unlike laser eye surgery, which permanently removes corneal tissue, ICLs leave your natural eye structure untouched. That means:

• The surgery is reversible—the lens can be removed in future if needed.

• You retain your natural lens for accommodation (especially important if you’re under 45).

• There is no increased risk of dry eye—a major benefit for those with sensitive or already dry eyes.

Is ICL Safe and Long-Lasting?

Yes. ICL surgery has been performed since the mid-1990s with over 1 million lenses implanted worldwide. The procedure has an excellent safety record, and modern ICL designs have greatly reduced earlier concerns such as cataract formation or pressure issues. With proper follow-up, the lens is expected to last until cataract surgery is needed, usually in your 50s–70s.

One of the major advantages of ICLs is that they do not interfere with future eye surgery. When the time comes for cataract removal, the ICL is removed during the same procedure, and your new lens is tailored accordingly.

ICL Surgery for Over-40s: What You Need to Know

Patients over 40 considering vision correction need to account for presbyopia—the natural ageing of the eye’s lens that causes near vision to decline. If both eyes are set for perfect distance vision, you will still need reading glasses.

Dr Gunn offers a solution called blended vision (monovision) where:

• Your dominant eye is corrected for distance

• Your non-dominant eye is adjusted for near tasks (usually about 70 cm)

This approach helps many patients reduce their need for glasses altogether, especially for daily tasks like phone use or reading menus. If you haven’t tried blended vision before, Dr Gunn’s team can arrange a contact lens trial in-clinic so you can test the effect before committing.

If blended vision doesn’t suit you, other options such as refractive lens exchange with multifocal lenses can be discussed based on your age, eye health, and preferences.

Why Haven’t I Heard About ICL Before?

ICL surgery is less common than LASIK, largely because:

• It’s more expensive due to theatre time, sedation, and custom lenses

• It requires a higher level of surgical expertise

• It’s offered only by eye surgeons with corneal and refractive subspecialisation

That said, ICLs are increasingly popular among discerning patients who want the best visual quality without the permanence of laser or the risks of early lens removal.

Dr Gunn performs ICL surgery at accredited private day hospitals in Brisbane. You’ll be cared for by a team including a specialist anaesthetist and surgical nurse staff, and Dr Gunn personally performs all procedures. There is no junior or rotating staff involved.

What’s the Procedure Like?

• Timing: ICL surgery is performed on one eye at a time under light sedation. The procedure takes around 30 minutes per eye.

• Anaesthesia: You’ll be relaxed and sleepy with anaesthetic gel placed in the eye—no injections are used.

• Aftercare: Vision is often improved within hours but may be hazy for 1–2 days due to pupil dilation. Full visual recovery typically takes a few days.

• Follow-up: Dr Gunn’s team will review you the next day, one week later, and one month post-op. Yearly reviews are recommended long-term.

For long-sighted patients, a laser iridotomy is needed before surgery to ensure fluid flow in the eye. This is a quick, painless outpatient laser treatment done at least a week before your surgery.

Modern ICL surgery is quick (about 20–30 minutes per eye) and is performed as day surgery.

What About Cost?

As ICL surgery is classed as elective refractive surgery, it is not covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. Costs include:

• Custom-manufactured lenses (made in the USA)

• Anaesthetic team and day hospital admission

• Surgeon’s fees and 12 months of postoperative care

Dr Gunn’s team will provide you with a single packaged fee covering all essential components, so there are no hidden bills. Note: postoperative drops are excluded from the bundled fee so you can benefit from PBS pricing.

Because lenses are custom-made for each patient, a non-refundable booking fee is required before ordering. Lenses typically take 8–16 weeks to arrive. Once here, surgery can be scheduled at your convenience.

Am I a Good Candidate?

ICL surgery may be a great fit if:

• You’re aged 18 to 50 with stable vision

• You’ve been told you’re not suitable for LASIK

• You have strong prescriptions or corneal issues

• You want reversibility and high-quality vision

• You are looking for a long-term alternative to glasses or contact lenses

Dr Gunn will perform a comprehensive eye assessment to determine your suitability, including measurements of eye length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and pupil size.

Coming to Brisbane for ICL Surgery

Many patients travel from regional Queensland or interstate for surgery with Dr Gunn. It is difficult to organise this on the same trip as your lenses will need to be ordered once we decide you are a candidate and are often custom made for you overseas.

To learn more, see our blog post: Travelling to Brisbane for Your Eye Surgery

Enjoy a life with less dependence on glasses and contact lenses after ICL surgery

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re seeking ICL surgery in Brisbane, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr David Gunn. As a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon, Dr Gunn offers honest advice and personalised care—without sales pressure. His only goal is to find the safest, most effective vision correction option for you.

Fill out our online enquiry form or call the Queensland Eye Institute to schedule your assessment.

Whether you’re aiming to ditch glasses, avoid laser, or find a solution when LASIK isn’t right, ICL surgery might just be your clearest path forward.

DR DAVID GUNN - OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MBBS (Hons I), BSc, CertLRS, FRANZCO, FWCRS

Dr. David Gunn, a respected ophthalmologist based in Brisbane, specialises in managing corneal diseases, cataract surgery, and advanced laser and refractive eye procedures at the Queensland Eye Institute. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland and was awarded the prestigious K.G. Howsam gold medal during his ophthalmology training.

As an innovator in his field, Dr. Gunn has a special interest in topographic laser eye surgery procedures. His introduction of the Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segment surgery to Australia in May 2021 stands as testament to his drive for innovation, putting him among a select few surgeons worldwide performing this technique.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Gunn contributes to future developments in ophthalmology as a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and through his active engagement in eye disease research.

However, what truly defines Dr. Gunn's work is his unwavering dedication to patient care. His pursuit of innovation and commitment to education all aim towards one goal: to enhance the lives of his patients through exceptional eye care. For Dr. Gunn, improving vision means improving life, a philosophy that continues to guide his practice in Brisbane.