98Fm’s Brian Maher shares his laser eye surgery experience at Optilase

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As if you weren’t already aware, laser eye surgery is becoming more and more popular with every passing year as people, in ever increasing numbers, are opting to ditch their eyewear by undergoing what is a life changing procedure in just ten minutes!
 
Just ask Brian Maher of Dublin’s 98FM, the latest Irish celebrity (others include rugby player Doug Howlett, model Roz Purcell and hurler Donal Og Cusack) to undergo laser eye surgery with Optilase Clinic.
 

Just ten minutes is all it takes!

 
Now we’re not here to tell you how to spend your time but seriously, there aren’t too many important things in life that can be achieved in a tiny little ten minute window, are there?
 
Take buying glasses for example. How long does it take to choose a new pair of glasses? Might seem simple enough but actually, when you think about it, it’s a pretty time consuming and arduous process: What colour frame? What brand will I go for? What shape suits my face? All of these little considerations are greatly magnified when it comes to the act of actually buying them!
 
(Let’s just say that if you can pick the perfect pair of glasses at the first time of asking, without having to traipse from shop to shop humming and hawing over which pair suits you best then you’re definitely in the minority!)
 

Once you know the facts, laser eye surgery is an easy choice

 
People who wear glasses by and large tend to do so for many years. Because of this, they simply become accustomed to wearing them; their glasses become part of who they are and part of their physical appearance.
 
This is why it can take many glasses wearers a period of years to consider what it might be like to not have to wear glasses, and to finally come to the realisation that actually there is no reason why they even have to wear glasses at all, thanks to laser eye surgery.
 

Brian Maher’s laser eye surgery journey

 

 
Brian Maher was very much of this school of thought, until hey presto, that light bulb moment finally dawned - ie that moment when he finally wondered why he was still wearing glasses at all when there existed a simple ten minute procedure which could give make him glasses free and give him perfect vision!
 
Of course initially, Brian had the same fears and concerns that everyone has prior to undergoing laser eye surgery: Will it hurt? Will it work? Will my eyes be perfect afterwards? What if something goes wrong?
 
These are all completely natural and perfectly legitimate concerns to have and that’s why we offer a free consultation which allows us to meet with you to address all of your concerns and issues, prior to deciding whether to proceed.
 
 
"Afterwards, I was able to look down the street and see people’s faces that I would never normally be able to do without my glasses, it was just such an amazing moment!"
 
 
Once Brian met with one of our specialist Laser Optometrists as well as our Opthalmic Surgeon prior to his laser surgery being scheduled, he was surprised (and of course delighted) that all of his initial fears and worries disappeared as a result of being addressed.
 
The reason for this lies in our open and honest approach that we take to dealing with our patients; we know how big a decision it is to go for laser eye surgery so we go to great lengths to explain absolutely everything you ever need to know about what is involved.
 
We separate the facts from the myths and in doing so, give you the tools to make an informed decision that you will be happy with, one way or the other.
 

Another success – another person with perfect vision!

 
At Optilase, we are 100% patient focused – and that means that we are only happy when our patients report back that their lives have been transformed as a result of laser eye surgery! And thankfully, 98 fm’s Brian Maher is another patient who is delighted that he took the step to have laser eye surgery… for the reasons outlined below!
 
1. Perfect vision
 
Brian Maher: “I’ve had perfect vision for over a year and a half after going to Optilase”.
 
2. Able to read car things like car registrations!
 
Brian Maher: “I remember afterwards just stepping outside and being able to see car registrations straight away, I was able to look down the street and see people’s faces that I would never normally be able to do without my glasses, it was just such an amazing moment!”
 
3. Some of his friends have even had it done since!
 
Brian Maher: “If someone was going to have laser eye surgery I couldn’t speak highly enough of it. I would tell them to have it straight away. In fact, a good few friends of mine have had it done since!”.
 

Book your free consultation today!

 
Call us today on +353 1 223 8821 to arrange a FREE consultation with one of our Laser Optometrists. Not only will they carry out an extensive eye examination and answer all of your questions, they will also explain in detail the various options that are open to you, on the basis of your precise vision needs.
 
 

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Patient Reviews

Katie Corcoran
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Katie Corcoran
April 13, 2026

Excellent service. I found optilase really great to deal with- they were so professional and well organised before and during the laser eye surgery. They were also very friendly and the aftercare was great.

Roisin Mitchell
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Roisin Mitchell
April 7, 2026

I had a great experience and Optilase getting laser eye surgery, it was without a doubt the best money I ever spent and wish I did it years ago! I rave about it to anyone who'll listen. From my initial consultation to the surgery itself in Dublin and the aftercare in Galway I couldn't rate it highly enough. The staff were so professional, informative, friendly and attentative throughout the whole process. Extremely happy customer!

amnnau
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amnnau
April 3, 2026

Got my PRK surgery with optilase couldnt be happier! I was cared for in each step even post surgery, give me a call or message if you need referral

Amy Phelan
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Amy Phelan
April 2, 2026

Had such an amazing experience with Optilase in Cork. Such a brilliant team, they all made me feel so relaxed and explained everything so well. They reassured me so much on the day of my surgery, and I never felt rushed with any questions. I would highly recommend Optilase to anyone even considering laser eye surgery. I am the most nervous and skeptical person and it’s truly the best thing I ever did, there is honestly nothing to be worried about!! I had zero pain whatsoever and my vision was clear by that evening and 100% perfect the next morning, it’s truly amazing! Wish I got it done years ago. I have so much freedom now without contact lenses or glasses, it’s so hard to believe my vision is fixed!!

Helen Sanfey
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Helen Sanfey
April 2, 2026

My experience has been amazing. Everything was super professional and I was handled with complete care. My vision is perfect now and has changed everything for me.

Chloe Kearney
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Chloe Kearney
March 5, 2026

Had a consultation done today couldn’t fault the team at optilase the were very informative answer all the questions I had very quick and professional would definitely recommend

Barry Neville
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Barry Neville
March 3, 2026

Very professional, and very customer focused

Timmy Kelleher
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Timmy Kelleher
February 18, 2026

I got the refractive lens surgery in December and from my first appointment to the last post op appointment I was looked after with great care, and I would recommend this company to anyone

Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
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Sinéad Elizabeth Delaney
February 5, 2026

My glasses has always made me feel self conscious to the point of not wearing them. I had my free consultation for eligibility with Rachel who was helpful and really put me at ease about the entire procedure. Elizabeth in reception was friendly and welcoming throughout each visit helping me set up all my upcoming appointments and fit me in for my surgery to meet my schedule. The day of surgery I was brought upstairs for re-scans. Paul did these and he was extremely kind. He answered all my questions making me feel at ease. After I was then called by Fiona who was assisting Dr. Tom in my surgery. I met Dr. Tom who ran over the procedure and answered questions I had. Fiona then went through the things to be mindful of after surgery showing me the three different eye drops to be taken and then helped me prep for surgery. The surgery itself was so quick. I first laid down on the chair and they dosed my eyes in eye drops which were to stop infections and aesthetic to keep my eyes open. Dr. Tom and the team began. It was such a quick painless procedure I couldn’t believe it was finished so quick. Already getting up I felt I could see better although a little fuzzy. Fiona guided me to the dark area of the reception while I waited to go home. The girls in reception had already called my dad and he was on the way. Sitting there I could already read the signs on the wall (I couldn’t when I had come in). Paul and Fiona came and sat with me for a second in reception asking me how I was and how I got on which was so nice of them. My dad collected me and I put my sunglasses on. It was a sunny day and I’m going to be honest the car ride home for me was the hardest part. Fiona told me my eyes would become heavy when the eye drops wore off. I felt the light from the sun in the car ride home was harsh on my eyes and my eyes stung. This was instantly relieved when I got home and went to my room which was in complete darkness. The first two hours my eyes were a little sore and stingy. Then this all faded very quick. No stinging. No pain. Nothing. All great. My eyes improving more and more as the day went on. I was nervous about the eye drops but set them up on my table with an alarm and it’s so easy to just pop them in. My eyes were quite red with two red dots on each side. I rested up for the evening and I wore my dark glasses they provided for a lot of the evening to really rest my eyes and by that night my vision was very sharp it was amazing. I slept very well with my eye mask and not once did I have to take painkillers. My follow up appointment was with Michaela who was lovely and stated I have 20/20 vision and my eyes look good. She also said the redness is 100% normal and is just bruising of the eye from the suction. My experience has been amazing. I honestly can’t thank the staff enough. Each and every one of them were so nice and welcoming and the liking to answer all my questions. If you have any doubts at all; I wouldn’t. Get it done if you can. I wish I got it done sooner. Any questions or using a refer a friend find me on fb or instagram with the name above 😊

Laurence Lee
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Laurence Lee
November 25, 2025

It was the best decision I ever made,I can see better now than I ever did.

Teddy Sheehan
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Teddy Sheehan
November 20, 2025

Finished LASIK eye surgery yesterday. Unbelievable how crystal clear next day was. Bit nervous on day, but staff put me right at ease. Very professional, Clean, fast. Definitely should got it done years ago..

Lazer
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Lazer
November 19, 2025

I recently had my LASIK eye surgery done at Optilase and I couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel completely at ease. A special mention goes to Optometrist Dan, who was incredibly professional, patient, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Dan explained every step clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident before and after the procedure. The surgery itself was quick and comfortable, and my vision improvement has been amazing. I highly recommend Optilase and especially Dan for anyone considering LASIK. Excellent service, fantastic results, and a team you can truly trust.

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