A system for preparing an intraocular lens (IOL) injector (22) for receipt ofan IOL. A manifold (24) mates with an injector cartridge and easily distributesa lubricating agent to a load chamber of the cartridge. The IOL is then transferredinto the load chamber. The cartridge may be rotatably coupled to the handpiece,and the converted from a preparation and load position to a delivery position.The manifold may remain external to the load chamber or fit within the load chamberand include a handle that remains outside. One or more internal channels in themanifold lead from one or more inlet ports to surfaces in the load chamber thancontact the IOL.