A retainer for retaining an intraocular lens in a sterile liquid in a vial includes an elongated pair of side walls defining a lens-receiving area therebetween. A transversely-extending wall between the side walls defines a support surface for the edges of the haptic of the lens. Ribs on the interior surfaces of the side walls terminate short of the transversely-extending wall to define slots for retaining the haptic of the lens. An access opening is defined by the transversely-extending wall to permit the retained lens to be freed for removal by an instrument from without the confines of the retainer. The retainer terminates in its upper portion in a pair of protruding tabs defining slots for receiving an instrument for removing the retainer and the lens from the vial. The method of inserting and removing the lens from the retainer is also described.