A lens manipulator that includes an over-sleeve with a suction cup and lumen therethrough that forms a pore in the suction cup and a rod opening at the opposite end for receiving an adjustment rod. Adjustment of the length of the adjustment rod in the lumen controls the amount of suction force generated under the suction cup against a contact lens. Removal of the adjustment rod from the lumen eliminates the suction force and acts as a safety release against excessive pull force on an eye when removing a contact lens.