ICL surgery cost in Australia (2026): what Sunshine Coast patients should know
If you are researching implantable contact lenses (ICLs), cost is usually one of the first questions. This guide explains how EyeHub presents ICL fees on the Sunshine Coast, what is included in our published package, and how you move from enquiry to assessment with Dr Sonia Moorthy.
This is educational information only. Suitability, lens choice and final costs are confirmed after a comprehensive assessment. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
What is an ICL?
An ICL is a soft, biocompatible lens placed inside the eye in front of your natural lens. It is designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), with or without astigmatism, in people who may not be suitable for corneal laser procedures.
Unlike a contact lens you put in and take out each day, an ICL stays in place until you and your ophthalmologist decide otherwise. It does not replace your natural lens. That is a different procedure called refractive lens exchange. At EyeHub, ICL is one of several vision-correction options discussed after assessment, alongside LASIK, SMILE PRO (also known as SMILE), PRESBYOND and refractive lens exchange, where clinically appropriate.
ICL may be discussed when corneal laser is less suitable, for example higher prescriptions, thinner corneas, or other findings on assessment. Only a full work-up can confirm that.
EyeHub’s ICL fee
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ICL surgeon’s fee | $3,500* per eye |
| Hospital and anaesthetic fees | On top, confirmed at the time of surgery |
| Approximate total, both eyes | About $14,000 (may vary by hospital and anaesthetist) |
What’s included:
- Cost per eye (doctor / procedure fee $3,500*)
- All pre- and post-operative assessments
- Aftercare and post-op reviews for 12 months
Hospital and anaesthetic costs are additional and confirmed at the time of surgery.
*Prices are subject to change without notice.
Always check our pricing page for the current published figures before you budget, because fees can change.
Why ICL fees often look different clinic to clinic
Across Australia, published ICL fees vary because clinics package hospital, anaesthetic, lens, surgeon and aftercare differently.
EyeHub’s approach is to publish a clear per-eye procedure fee, with hospital and anaesthetic confirmed separately at the time of surgery so those components are not a surprise. Your written quote after assessment is what you should rely on for planning.
We don’t publish national average tables here. If you are comparing clinics, ask each one the same questions: surgeon fee, hospital, anaesthetic, lens brand or model, included reviews, and what happens if a further procedure is discussed later.
Who ICL may suit, and how the assessment procedure works
Many people who ask about ICLs first explore laser vision correction. At EyeHub, ICL patients start on the same laser vision assessment procedure used for LASIK, SMILE PRO, PRESBYOND and RLE:
- Free online video assessment
- In-person assessment with a $100 deposit (redeemable against your surgery; refunded if you are unable to proceed for medical reasons)
If laser or refractive lens exchange is not suitable, Dr Moorthy may advise an ICL procedure.
You will meet Dr Moorthy and discuss your options together. Once you are happy with the plan, we can book your surgery.
Medicare, private health and ICL
ICL for refractive purposes is generally treated as an elective vision-correction procedure. Medicare does not contribute to elective laser vision correction, and you should not assume Medicare will fund elective ICL. Some private health funds may contribute depending on your policy, waiting periods and clinical coding. EyeHub cannot tell you what your fund will pay. Please check with your fund and ask our team which item numbers are typically used so your fund can advise in writing.
For a broader overview, see our health-fund FAQ and our live payment plans page.
Paying for ICL at EyeHub
You can pay by card or bank transfer. Third-party options listed on our site include MediPay, Afterpay, Zip Pay / Zip Money and TLC. EyeHub is not a credit provider and does not offer credit or finance ourselves. Approval, fees and terms sit with the provider you choose. Full wording is on our payment plans page.
What happens after you enquire
- Free online video assessment to understand your goals and history
- In-person diagnostics at Buderim, with the $100 deposit (redeemable against your surgery; refunded if you are unable to proceed for medical reasons)
- Discussion of options (laser, ICL, RLE or other care) with Dr Moorthy once you decide to proceed (no extra charge for the consult)
- Written quote and timing. First call to surgery is typically about two weeks when you proceed, subject to scheduling and clinical readiness
Clinics: Buderim (Unit 1, Building A, 23 Elsa Wilson Dr, Buderim QLD 4556) and consulting in Noosaville at 197 Weyba Road, Noosaville QLD 4566.
FAQs
Is $3,500* per eye the final amount I will pay?
No. $3,500* is the per-eye surgeon’s fee. Hospital and anaesthetic are on top and confirmed at the time of surgery. The approximate total for both eyes is about $14,000, which may vary by hospital and anaesthetist. Your written quote after assessment is the figure to rely on. *Prices are subject to change without notice.
Does the ICL package include enhancements?
No. EyeHub does not market enhancements as part of ICL. Dr Moorthy’s aim is to get it right the first time, which is why the assessment is so thorough. However once in a while we might get what we call a ‘refractive surprise’. Dr Moorthy will discuss options with you if that occurs.
Can I have both eyes treated?
Many patients plan both eyes. Timing is confirmed clinically. An approximate total for both eyes, including hospital and anaesthetic, is about $14,000, which may vary by hospital and anaesthetist. Always check the live pricing page and your written quote after assessment.
Where can I read more about the procedure?
See our ICL page and laser vision correction page for how ICL sits alongside other options.
Next step
If you’d like to find out whether ICL or another option may suit you, book an assessment or email laser@eyehub.net.au. You can also call our laser coordinators on 1800 EYEHUB. We’ll guide you through each step without pressure. Suitability always comes first.
Prices are subject to change without notice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
