Laser Vision

Q&A with Mr Rakesh Jayaswal: The DUET Procedure

Q&A with Mr Rakesh Jayaswal: The DUET Procedure

The revolutionary new Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange is a treatment to correct long-and-short distance vision offering lifelong reversibility.

We caught up with the first surgeon in the UK to perform the DUET procedure – LaserVision Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Rakesh Jayaswal to find out more…

Mr Rakesh Jayaswal1. What is the new Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange procedure?

The new Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange procedure is a ground-breaking new procedure designed to help people achieve independence or significantly reduce dependence from contact lens and spectacles. It’s performed with revolutionary lens technology, using not one, but two lenses to correct long-and-short distance vision. The procedure is based on the traditional refractive lens exchange technique which has been around for more than 20 years. It completely changes the landscape for lens replacement procedures as it allows reversibility.

2. How is it different to traditional lens replacement surgery? What are the advantages?

In traditional surgery we replace the natural lens with a single lens but with the DUET, we are using two artificial lenses to allow for vision correction. The close-vision lens can be removed (safely) if it causes side effects such as, light glare, halos, or the health of the eye changes over time – leaving the patient with their long vision still corrected.

3. Who is suitable for this surgery?

Patients over the age of 50 that are considering corrective surgery may be a candidate for this surgery. It may also be suitable for people who have already undergone cataract surgery and are disappointed with their outcome as the DUET procedure offers an upgrade on the current lens technology in their eye.

This lens is specific to several factors which need to be identified prior to surgery and therefore a full assessment should be carried out by an experienced refractive surgeon.

4. How long does it take?

Surgery is very quick, it usually takes between 10-15 minutes.

5. What happens during surgery?

We replace the natural lens with two artificial lenses using ultrasound and potentially laser to ensure maximum accuracy.

6. What are the risks involved? Is it safe?

There is a always degree of risk with any surgical procedure, however, every effort is made to minimise risk and ensure your operation is safe. Our team operates from a state-of-the-art private hospital where the equipment and products used in the operating theatre are of the highest standard.

7. You were the first to perform this procedure in the UK – what’s the story behind this?

A patient I had been seeing for a couple of years was having vision problems. He has a very demanding job and was looking for an option to improve his overall range of vision so that he could perform a range of tasks without glasses.

He was hesitant about undergoing refractive lens exchange due to the nature of his job so I was slightly concerned about using a trifocal lens in that situation. Fortunately, the new lens (Sulcoflex Trifocal) was released last year which gave us the option of reversibility, so if there was ever an issue with his vision in the future or he didn’t tolerate the lens – we had the option of removing it safely. This is a unique advantage of this lens over traditional lens surgery. We discussed it and to him it was a “no brainer”, it worked beautifully!

8. How many times have you performed this procedure now?

The first procedure was performed in November last year at Spire Portsmouth Hospital and we have performed over 30 so far so it is still in its early stages but the numbers are building extremely fast as patients have been very receptive to the concept of ‘reversibility and safety’. We have also taken part in a multi-surgery European trial for the DUET procedure, the results are due to be published in June.

9. How soon will patients be able to see clearly?

Usually within a few days, however, occasionally some patients may take longer to settle due to the precise nature of the lens.

I advise all my patients to allow a few days as the vision will continue to improve until the pupil returns to its normal size. It can take some time for the operated eye(s) to settle but patients should start to notice an improvement in their vision within a couple of days.

10. How long will they need to take time off work?

I recommend taking two to three days off work to allow the eyes to recover following the procedure. For patients who might be exposed to dust or water at work however, I would advise taking a full week off.

11. Would you undergo the Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange procedure?

The plan is to undergo it in a few years! Now, my reading is just starting to deteriorate but my distance vision is still intact so the plan is to wait until my distance vision gets worse and eventually undergo this procedure. The idea of reversibility really appeals to me as if I’m having any problems in the future there is the (safe) reversibility aspect of the surgery.

All the patients who have had this procedure done so far have been really pleased with the outcome and are enjoying a spectacle free life which is very positive!

Find out more about Sulcoflex DUET Lens Exchange at our next free open event.

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Colin D. profile picture
Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith profile picture
Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer profile picture
Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon profile picture
Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers profile picture
ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power profile picture
Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James profile picture
Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall profile picture
Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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