Watchdog bans Harrington’s laser eye surgery ad as facts come into focus

ENCOURAGED to undergo laser eye surgery due to a high-profile endorsement from world-renowned golfer Pádraig Harrington? Then, ironically, you should have taken a closer look at that advert.

The Advertising Standards Authority in Britain has decided to ban a long-standing TV commercial for Optical Express on the grounds it misleads consumers into thinking Mr Harrington has undergone the surgery with the firm — instead of with a rival company.

In the advert, the Dubliner explains that when people ask him how to improve their game, he says: “I tell them the secret is to stay focused. And, of course, it’s important to have great vision. I need to be able to look down the line, focusing clearly on the target. My advice? Visit Optical Express… It could help your game too.”