Abstract: An opthalmic insertion device for quick and accurate insertion of contact lenses with minimum handling. A pneumatic insertion device comprises a main cylindrical body having a coil spring driven piston for pumping air fitted into and substantially filling cross sectionally a forward area of the main body cylinder, a hollow shaft axially slidable communicating the area behind the piston to an area within a soft rubber cup on the forward end of the said shaft, a buffer spring to limit the retraction of the hollow shaft into the cylinder, a cocking plunger fitted into and substantially filling cross sectionally a rear portion of the cylinder provides a means to compress the piston drive spring and is provided with a rearward biasing spring to automatically return the said cocking plunger to a rear position of the main body cylinder, a trigger device to hold said piston in the cocked position until a contact lens is ready to be inserted.