A cartridge of an intraocular lens (IOL) inserter includes an insertion nozzle, having a distal insertion channel； an IOL-folding stage, having a proximal insertion channel； and a haptic protection structure to protect a trailing haptic of the IOL from damage by a push-rod of the inserter. The haptic protection structure includes a proximal guiding groove in the IOL-folding stage, or a distal guiding groove in the insertion nozzle. The haptic protection structure further includes a trailing-haptic notch, to guide a trailing haptic protruding from the proximal guiding groove； and a trailing-haptic retainer, to secure the trailing haptic out of the proximal insertion channel. An intraocular lens inserter includes an inserter cylinder； a push-rod in the inserter cylinder； a cartridge-receiving insertion tip, to receive a cartridge that includes an insertion nozzle, having a distal insertion channel； an intra-ocular lens-folding stage, having a proximal insertion channel； and a haptic protection structure.
