Harrington’s eye surgery TV ad falls foul of watchdog

A TELEVISION advert featuring golfer Pádraig Harrington has fallen foul of the broadcasting watchdog, which ruled that it cannot be shown on TV.

The ad for Optical Express featured the two-time British Open winner who stated: “Visit Optical Express, Europe’s number one provider of laser eye surgery. It could help your game too.”

The complainant, Ed Toland, contacted the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), claiming they suggested “that they played a part in Mr Harrington achieving his career highlights. This is a testimonial rather than an endorsement”. He also claimed this was a falsehood.