Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting an intra-ocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The apparatus permits the insertion of the intra-ocular lens through small incisions, of the order of several millimeters, such as are employed in the phacoemulsification technique of cataract removal. The intra-ocular lens is placed within a hinged, generally cylindrical load chamber, having a pair of flanges. The load chamber is folded around the intra-ocular lens, so that the lens itself becomes folded or rolled along its length. The load chamber is fitted into an injector portion, which has a slot which is keyed to the flanges of the load chamber. The injector portion and load chamber are then fitted into an insertion cone which defines a lumen for passage of the intra-ocular lens through the lumen. A plunger inserted into the injector portion is used to push the intra-ocular lens through the lumen and into the eye. The folded intra-ocular lens gradually flowers out as it emerges from the distal end of the insertion cone.