Don Brash's new look surprises when he peers in mirror

Don Brash as he was (right) and how he might look now (digitaly altered image, left).

Don Brash has been feeling a little naked for the past week and still gets a shock looking in the mirror.

That's because a cataract operation on his left eye has forced the ditching of his usual glasses - although a new set of specs will aid in tasks such as driving.

Dr Brash said his vision was now "vastly better" and he was able to read documents and the newspaper as well as work on his computer without glasses.

The glasses-free look had sparked speculation Dr Brash, who is sporting a temporarily dilated pupil as a result of the surgery, might have been undergoing a "make-over".

That raised a laugh from him yesterday - although he still has to decide whether to wear the new glasses regularly - because "I've worn glasses for the past 50 years so I startle myself whenever I look in the mirror".