Abstract: A pupil expander insertion system for eye surgery includes a pupil expander insertion tool and an iris retracting glide. The insertion tool includes a housing having forward and rearward ends, a hollow chamber in which a piston is axially movable, and an aperture formed in the forward end that communicates with the hollow chamber. A retractable blade for holding a pupil expander in an elongated condition is journaled within the aperture and connected to the piston for longitudinal movement therewith. The forward end of the blade has a slot extending rearwardly, defining a pair of tines wherebetween the expander can be slidably inserted. A stationary hollow spatula surrounds the blade in the retracted position, contacting the pupil expander to slidingly urge it off the retracting blade. The glide has an elongated tongue with a folded tab on one end slidably inserted through a slot means in the other end.