A contact lens transfer device for transferring a contact lens from a storage container to a contact lens applicator has a body and a contact lens holder movably mounted on the body. The contact lens holder defines a contact lens support surface, a fluid-flow aperture extending through the contact lens support surface, and a chamber coupled in fluid communication with the fluid-flow aperture. A contact lens is removably receivable on the lens support surface, and the fluid-flow aperture is coupled in fluid communication with an interface between the contact lens and lens support surface for introducing fluid from the chamber, through the fluid-flow aperture and into the interface to release the lens from the lens support surface.