Adele Cunningham, Heart Radio host, recently underwent lens replacement surgery at our Glasgow clinic.
The breakfast host had previously had LASIK surgery, enhanced by iDesign, with us in 2010. She’d had such a good experience that she chose to return for her permanent lens replacement 15 years later.
Why would patients need a second surgery?
LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery which uses lasers to reshape the cornea and correct any imperfections. It’s used to treat conditions such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsighted-ness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
It doesn’t, however, stop the natural aging of the eye and related conditions such as presbyopia. Therefore, some patients who have had LASIK, LASEK or SMILE procedures may need a second surgery later in life.
Lens replacement surgery is often referred to as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and involves removing the natural lens in the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Adele’s experience
Adele had enjoyed 15 years of clear vision thanks to her LASIK procedure and was reluctant to rely on glasses again. She felt like she was missing out on life’s little moments, due to having to reach for glasses to see them clearly.
She attended her consultation for RLE in March 2025, finding a suitable time around her breakfast show slot on Heart Radio. Since we offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments – Adele was easily slotted in at a time that suited her.
Her surgery was then booked for a few months later where she opted for Johnson & Johnson Tecnis PureSee lenses. These lenses are the latest on the market, offering enhanced clarity and minimised glare – particularly when driving in the dark. This was important to Adele as she often drives in the dark early mornings for work – especially in winter!
On the day, Adele was joined by our film crew who have documented her journey. She met with Optometrist Paul, before having her surgery done by Dr David Teenan. In and out within 15 minutes, Adele said noted how quick and painless the process was.
Results
We then met up with Adele a few weeks later after her follow-up aftercare appointments. Her eyesight is now 5x better than it was at her initial consultation.
She said, “I got lens replacement surgery at Optical Express, it is the best thing that I’ve ever done!” and went on to say, “it almost feels like a fresh start at life when you get your eyes done.”
Watch Adele Cunningham’s eye surgery journey
If you’d like to see Adele’s full experience, head over to our YouTube channel here.
Keen to know if you could have your fresh start with laser or lens surgery? Book your FREE consultation and start your journey towards clear vision now.
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