- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: October 22, 2025
- Last Updated: October 17, 2025
If you’ve been told you’re not suitable for laser eye surgery, or you’re simply seeking an alternative approach to permanent vision correction, implantable collamer lens surgery might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. At Blue Fin Vision®, our Chase Lodge Hospital location in North West London offers this revolutionary procedure, combining consultant-led expertise with cutting-edge technology in a setting that’s designed entirely around your comfort and care.
ICL surgery represents something rather special in the world of vision correction. It’s a procedure that offers genuinely transformative results for people with higher prescriptions, thinner corneas, or dry eyes, conditions that might make traditional laser surgery less suitable. At our private eye clinic in Mill Hill, we’ve witnessed firsthand how this advanced treatment can change lives.
Understanding Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery
Implantable collamer lens surgery, often simply called ICL surgery, involves placing a soft, biocompatible lens between your natural lens and your iris. Think of it as a permanent contact lens that sits comfortably inside your eye, where you’ll never feel it, never need to clean it, and never worry about losing it.
The procedure can effectively correct a comprehensive range of vision problems:
- Short-sightedness (myopia), even at higher prescriptions that laser surgery might struggle to address
- Long-sightedness (hyperopia), helping you see clearly both near and far
- Astigmatism, eliminating the distorted vision that makes everything look slightly blurred
What makes ICL surgery particularly appealing is its reversibility. Unlike procedures that permanently alter your cornea, the implantable collamer lens can be removed or replaced if your circumstances change, though most patients find they never need or want this. The lenses are designed to remain in place permanently, providing a long-term solution with built-in UV protection for enhanced eye health.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for ICL Surgery in North West London?
Selecting where to have implantable collamer lens surgery in North West London requires careful consideration. At our Chase Lodge Hospital location, we’ve built our reputation on consistently exceptional outcomes, transparent practices, and a patient experience that goes well beyond simply performing a procedure.
Top Recommended Recognition by Spear’s and Featured in Tatler
Blue Fin Vision® has earned recognition at the Top Recommended level in the prestigious Spear’s 2025 Health & Wellness Index under Opticians, Ophthalmologists and Laser Eye Surgeons Advisors. This distinction places our founder and lead surgeon, Mr Mfazo Hove, at the highest tier awarded to any ophthalmologist in the Index, reflecting peer validation, documented clinical excellence, and outstanding patient outcomes.
Furthermore, we’re proud to be celebrated in the Tatler Address Book 2026 for our luxurious, patient-centred approach to eye care. These accolades aren’t simply impressive additions to our credentials; they’re independent confirmations from respected authorities that Blue Fin Vision® represents genuine excellence in private ophthalmology.
Leading Surgeons and Top Specialists
Our consultant ophthalmologists are recognised as top doctors and leading surgeons in the field of vision correction and advanced eye surgery. Mr Hove has performed over 50,000 procedures throughout his distinguished career and is recognised as a Key Opinion Leader for ZEISS, the world’s leading optics manufacturer.
Perhaps most telling is this: Mr Hove chose ZEISS premium lenses for his own vision correction. When a top specialist trusts the same advanced technology for their own eyes that they recommend to patients, that provides the kind of genuine reassurance that truly matters.
State-of-the-Art Facilities at Chase Lodge Hospital
Chase Lodge Hospital in Mill Hill stands as a premier private healthcare destination in North West London. The hospital’s ophthalmology service is distinguished by its consultant-led approach, modern facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence at every level of patient care.
Every patient at our North West London location receives a comprehensive pre-operative assessment using advanced diagnostic technology. We use exclusively premium equipment and lenses, ensuring you benefit from the finest optical quality available. The facility includes state-of-the-art imaging technology such as MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound, providing rapid diagnosis and precision treatment planning.
The ICL surgery procedure itself is remarkably swift, typically taking just 20 to 30 minutes per eye, performed under local anaesthetic for a comfortable, pain-free experience. Most patients find the procedure far easier than they’d anticipated.
Transparent Outcomes and Verified Reviews
At Blue Fin Vision®, transparency isn’t optional; it’s fundamental to everything we do. With more than 530 five-star verified reviews across Doctify, Google, and TopDoctors, our patients’ experiences speak powerfully about the quality of care we consistently deliver.
The Premium Patient Experience
At Chase Lodge Hospital in North West London, Blue Fin Vision® provides an exceptional patient experience that extends well beyond clinical excellence. We believe that premium eye care encompasses every aspect of your journey, from your initial enquiry through to your final post-operative appointment.
Your experience with us includes:
- Private, en-suite recovery rooms ensuring complete privacy and relaxation following surgery
- Three-course hot meals for both you and your companion
- A celebratory bottle of champagne for every surgical patient
- Flexible financing options to help manage the cost of treatment over time
- Comprehensive clinical testing included as standard
- All post-operative drops and follow-up appointments included
- Annual post-operative reviews, endothelial cell density checks, and vault measurements at no extra cost
This attention to every detail reflects our philosophy that exceptional eye care should encompass not just surgical precision, but the entire experience surrounding your treatment.
The ICL Surgery Process at Blue Fin Vision®
Understanding what to expect can help ease any natural concerns about the procedure. At our top-rated private eye clinic in North West London, we’ve refined the ICL surgery process into a seamless, reassuring journey.
Comprehensive Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough assessment at our Chase Lodge Hospital location. Our top doctors will evaluate your eyes, discuss your visual goals, and confirm your suitability for implantable collamer lens surgery.
Customised Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, we design a personalised plan tailored to your prescription, lifestyle, and individual needs.
The Procedure: Performed under local anaesthetic, the surgery is remarkably quick. Your eye will be numbed with anaesthetic drops for your comfort. Our expert surgeon will make a tiny incision and gently insert the ICL, carefully positioning it behind your iris. The incision is self-sealing, requiring no stitches.
Recovery and Aftercare: Most patients notice significant improvement within hours or days. We provide comprehensive aftercare through our integrated network of clinics, ensuring you’re fully supported at every stage.
Life After ICL Surgery
The transformation that follows implantable collamer lens surgery at Blue Fin Vision® extends far beyond simple visual improvement. Our patients consistently report experiencing:
Freedom from Glasses: Imagine waking up and immediately seeing clearly or enjoying your favourite activities without constantly adjusting spectacles. Most patients find their dependence on corrective eyewear eliminated entirely for daily activities.
Improved Vision Quality: Sharper, clearer sight across all distances becomes your new reality, whether you’re reading fine print, working on screens, or admiring distant views.
Enhanced Quality of Life: The psychological benefits of clear, unassisted vision often surprise our patients. Simple pleasures like spontaneous trips, swimming, or early morning walks become infinitely more enjoyable when you’re not reliant on glasses or contacts.
Long-lasting Results with UV Protection: ICLs are designed to provide permanent vision correction with built-in UV protection, contributing to long-term eye health.
Recovery is typically swift, with most patients returning to normal activities within just a few days. The procedure is virtually painless, and the results are often visible almost immediately.
Accessible World-Class Eye Care in North West London
Blue Fin Vision®’s presence at Chase Lodge Hospital represents our commitment to making Harley Street-quality care accessible throughout London and the South East. Located at Page Street, Mill Hill, London NW7 2ED, Chase Lodge Hospital offers convenient car parking and easy access for patients throughout North West London, Barnet, and surrounding areas.
Our cross-network model means your consultation, surgery, and aftercare are seamlessly integrated, with identical clinical standards maintained whether you’re seen at Chase Lodge Hospital, our flagship Harley Street clinic, or any of our other locations.
Taking the First Step
Choosing implantable collamer lens surgery in North West London means choosing proven expertise, advanced technology, transparent outcomes, and genuinely personalised care. It means choosing a private eye clinic where every member of the team is committed to your visual success, where leading surgeons use the finest equipment available, and where your experience matters as much as your results.
At Blue Fin Vision®’s Chase Lodge Hospital location, you’ll find all of this and more. From your first consultation with our top doctors through to your final post-operative check-up, every interaction is designed to feel reassuring, informative, and tailored specifically to you.
Don’t let compromised vision diminish your quality of life any longer. Our top specialists at Chase Lodge Hospital in North West London are ready to help you achieve the crystal-clear sight you deserve, backed by the recognition, technology, and patient-centred philosophy that defines Blue Fin Vision®.
Book your consultation today and discover why discerning patients across London trust Blue Fin Vision® for their ICL surgery and advanced eye care needs. Your journey to exceptional vision starts here, at our North West London eye clinic in Barnet, where Harley Street excellence meets genuine, compassionate care.
