A preloaded intraocular lens (IOL) system/method utilizing haptic compression is disclosed. The disclosed system/method utilizes an IOL packaged in a compressed state that is inserted into a patient using a cartridge and lumen through which the IOL is advanced. Within this context the haptics to the IOL are wrapped around the IOL in a coplanar fashion during the loading of the IOL to permit the IOL to be shipped and stored in a compressed state. This compressed state is achieve by wrapping the haptics of the IOL during the manufacturing process to ensure that the IOL is properly aligned and thus delivered in a predetermined orientation within the patients eye. This compressed packaging of the IOL permits a more uniform and consistent placement of the IOL in the patient and eliminates the potential for physician error during the critical IOL placement procedure.
