An instrument for double-folding an elastically deformable IOL and for inserting the IOL into the anterior chamber of a patient's eye has a first elongate member and a second elongate member which are independently slidable within a handle. The distal ends of the first elongate member and the second elongate member protrude outwardly from the handle to provide a pair of forceps jaws suitable for gripping an IOL. The forceps jaws can be thrust through a double-folding member wherein the IOL is double-folded. After being double-folded, the IOL can be inserted into a patient's eye where it can be released by the forceps and allowed to unfold.