A system for use in preparing a lenticular or corneal implant for delivery to an operating site and insertion into a recipients eye includes a cartridge having a generally tubular portion including a sidewall defining a longitudinal bore, of curvilinear cross section, having open forward and rearward ends. The system further includes a preparation base comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion having a recess and having cartridge-receiving structure for removably engaging the cartridge in position with the open rearward end of the longitudinal bore thereof proximate one side of said recess, and for allowing facile removal of the cartridge from the base. The system further also includes an insert member having structure for removably engaging the insert member in the recess, the insert member having a portion defining a platform for receiving the implant, and a portion adjacent the platform defining funnel structure having a wider end facing the platform, and a narrower end facing the open rearward end of the cartridge when the system is assembled.
