CertLRS · FWCRS · Refractive Fellowship · Colchester, Essex
ICL Surgery in Essex
ICL is like a contact lens placed permanently inside your eye — you can’t see it, can’t feel it, and never take it in and out. A short procedure places a soft biocompatible lens behind the iris, correcting your vision without removing or altering any part of the cornea. The preferred option when laser isn’t suitable — and often preferred even when it is. Led personally by Mr Hatch Mukherjee, consultant refractive surgeon and Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery.
Professional memberships, fellowships & leadership roles
ICL vs. Laser Eye Surgery
Both ICL and laser eye surgery deliver excellent vision correction — but they suit different patients. Understanding the key differences helps you arrive at your consultation with a clearer picture.
| EVO ICL | LASIK / Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal tissue | None removed✓ | Removed / reshaped |
| High prescriptions | Up to −18.00D✓ | Typically up to −10.00D |
| Thin corneas | Suitable✓ | Often unsuitable |
| Dry eye risk | None✓ | Possible, temporary |
| Reversibility | Removable / exchangeable✓ | Permanent |
| Night vision | Excellent✓ | Very good |
The best procedure depends on your individual anatomy, prescription and lifestyle. Mr Mukherjee offers both — so the recommendation will always be based on what is genuinely best for your eyes.
Book a free assessmentWhy Choose Us for ICL?
One of the first centres in the UK to routinely use ICL Guru AI sizing
Getting the ICL size exactly right is critical — too large or too small affects vault height, eye pressure, and long-term lens health. ICL Guru uses artificial intelligence to analyse multiple biometric parameters simultaneously, producing a more precise lens selection than traditional single-measurement methods. Better sizing means better outcomes.
Cornea Left Untouched
No tissue removed. Ideal for thin corneas or patients declined for laser.
High Prescriptions
Corrects up to −18.00D — well beyond the safe range of laser surgery.
Reversible
The lens can be removed or exchanged. Laser surgery cannot be undone.
No Dry Eye
Corneal nerves left intact — no dry eye risk caused by the procedure.
Mr Mukherjee's credentials:
- •Refractive Surgery Fellowship — Emmetropia Eye Institute, Greece (high-volume ICL centre)
- •FWCRS — Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery
- •CertLRS — Royal College of Ophthalmologists
- •You see Mr Mukherjee personally at every appointment — not a technician or junior doctor
Not Suitable for Laser? Worried About Laser? ICL May Be Perfect for You.
ICL was designed for patients with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or those who simply want to avoid any permanent change to the cornea. If you've been told laser isn't suitable — or you're not comfortable with the idea — ICL is worth exploring. Day case, 20–30 minutes per eye, vision often improved within hours.
ICL is particularly well-suited if you:
- •Have myopia of −3.00 to −18.00 dioptres
- •Have astigmatism (toric ICL up to 6.00D)
- •Have thin corneas unsuitable for LASIK or TransPRK
- •Have been told your prescription is too high for laser
- •Experience dry eye or contact lens intolerance
- •Want a reversible option (typically age 21–45)
If ICL isn't right for you, Mr Mukherjee will recommend the best alternative — laser eye surgery or lens replacement.
No obligation · Full anterior segment assessment · Colchester, Essex
RELATED TREATMENTS
Not sure laser is right for you?
If laser eye surgery is not suitable — due to a high prescription, thin corneas or other factors — there are excellent alternatives that Mr Mukherjee can discuss at consultation.
Implantable Contact Lens (ICL)
A collamer lens implanted behind the iris — ideal for high prescriptions or thin corneas unsuitable for laser treatment. Removable and reversible.
Lens Replacement (RLE)
Refractive lens exchange removes the natural lens and replaces it with a premium IOL. Addresses both vision correction and presbyopia simultaneously.
Cataract Surgery
For patients with a cloudy lens affecting vision. Premium lens options can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after cataract removal.
Find out if laser eye surgery is right for you.
Mr Hatch Mukherjee provides expert suitability assessments and consultant-led laser eye surgery in Colchester, Essex. Your free consultation includes full corneal mapping and a clear, honest recommendation.