Herzig Eye Institute in I've Had It on February 23, 2026

Anyone who knows Cherry Tabb knows she’s never been one to settle for the status quo. So, when she realized her vision was holding her back, not just in daily life but in the things she loved most, she decided it was time for change. 

“Anyone that knows me knows that I’ve never been one to be satisfied with the status quo, and the procedure I’m having done today could be life changing,” she said before her procedure at Herzig Eye Institute. 

For Cherry, that procedure was Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), a life changing solution that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an advanced artificial lens, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. Dr. Anuj Bhargava, her surgeon, explained: “RLE was the best procedure for her because she’s in that age category where people can begin to develop cataracts, so a corneal refractive procedure wouldn’t be ideal. A lens-based procedure was the best option for her.” 

Cherry had reached her “I’ve had it” moment long before the surgery. She was tired of accepting poor vision and missing out on the activities that brought her joy. “Every patient has a story,” she said, “and mine started when I was no longer willing to accept having poor vision and compromising on some of my favourite activities.” 

One of those activities was tennis, something she plays competitively and passionately. “I play tennis regularly,” Cherry shared. “You need quick reaction time, and you have to pay attention to what’s happening on the other side. If you have an astigmatism like I do, it really affects your ability to play. It started to take away from the enjoyment of the game.” 

She decided enough was enough. It was time to take control of her life and her vision. 

After a series of advanced diagnostic testing at Herzig Eye Institute, Dr. Bhargava and the team gathered the precise measurements and calculations of her eyes to determine the ideal lens. “Every patient’s story is unique,” said Dr. Bhargava. “It’s the surgeons at Herzig Eye Institute who really want to know that story, so we can make the best clinical decisions.” 

When the day of the procedure came, Cherry felt calm and ready. The procedure itself was quick and seamless. When it was over, she walked out of the operating room unassisted, already beginning to see the difference. Within just a few days, she was back to her regular life. 

The next morning brought a moment she’ll never forget. Cherry woke up and could see clearly, at every distance. “I could see distance, up close, and everything in between without my glasses,” she said with a smile. 

The results were remarkable: her astigmatism was gone, her nearsightedness corrected, and her reading vision fully restored. “It’s the best vision I’ve had in my entire life,” Cherry said. “I love playing tennis again, I’m seeing everything again. It’s incredible.” 

She also noticed something unexpected; she felt younger. “I feel younger because I can see as if I’m younger,” she said. “When you’ve lost it and gained it back, it’s really incomparable.” 

Cherry wanted to share her experience not only to celebrate her results but to demystify the process for others. “There’s a lot of not knowing,” she said, “and I hope my story helps others feel like they know more.” 

After years of frustration, she can finally say with a smile, “I’ve Had It” at Herzig Eye Institute and it was wonderful.