Musician Malcolm Corden returns to performing after surgery restores his sight

Malcolm Corden, the father of actor James Corden, has spoken about how cataract surgery at Newmedica Slough has not only transformed his vision but helped him return to the bands and performances he loves. 

The 74-year-old from Hazlemere - a lifelong clarinet and saxophone player who performs in several bands - recently underwent cataract surgery in both eyes after noticing gradual changes to his sight. 

He explained: ‘At first, I didn’t really connect what was happening with my eyes to my music. I just found myself playing a little less, turning down the odd performance, and not really thinking too much about why. Looking back now, I realise my eyesight was holding me back. 

‘Reading sheet music was becoming more difficult, the notes were starting to blur. I used to joke that if I played the wrong note, I could blame it on my cataracts, but there was definitely something not quite right. Even driving at night after gigs, the lights in the distance were becoming blurry. It all crept up on me over time.’ 

Malcolm was first diagnosed with cataracts following an appointment at Specsavers High Wycombe in autumn 2024 and was advised to have surgery the following year. Encouraged by a friend who had already undergone the procedure, he decided to go ahead, particularly with a busy schedule of performances approaching. 

‘I had a lot of music commitments coming up, including some Christmas concerts at the local care homes, so I decided to have it done privately rather than wait. A friend had said to me, “You won’t believe the difference”, and they were absolutely right,’ he said. 

Malcolm had both his eyes treated in November 2025 and January 2026 at Newmedica Slough, a leading provider of specialist eye care services in England. 

‘The next day, after my first surgery, I woke up and just said “wow”. It felt like I could see vivid colours again, from the greens in the garden to the blue of the sky. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it.’ 

He described the experience at Newmedica Slough as seamless from start to finish. 

‘From the moment I arrived, the staff were so welcoming. There’s free parking, you’re offered tea or coffee, and you can just sit and chat, it’s such a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fantastic, state-of-the-art facility and you immediately feel at ease. 

‘The procedure itself was very quick and painless, about 20 minutes. You lie down, and before you know it, it’s done. The whole process felt effortless because of how professional and reassuring the team were. I couldn’t fault them at all. 

‘It’s given me my music back. I play in several bands, from a wind band connected to the RAF to smaller jazz groups, a church band and even the occasional rock band with my friends and being able to enjoy it again means everything to me.’ 

Malcolm says his improved vision has enhanced not just his performances, but the experiences that come with them. 

‘I’ve been fortunate enough to see my son perform Broadway’s revival of Yasmina Reza’s Art last September, and I love going to the theatre and concerts whenever I can. People often associate music purely with what you hear, but there’s so much you see as well, reading the music, watching other musicians, the atmosphere of a live performance. 

‘Now I can take all of that in properly again. Whether it’s watching a band, seeing a show, or enjoying my grandchildren performing in their own bands. It’s all so much clearer and more enjoyable. 

‘I didn’t realise how much my sight was affecting my day-to-day life until it was fixed. You start to hold back without even knowing it. Now, I feel more confident driving, going out in the evening, and just getting on with life. It’s made a huge difference.’ 

He is now encouraging others not to delay seeking treatment. 

‘I would absolutely recommend it. If you need cataract surgery, find your nearest Newmedica clinic – the team in Slough were brilliant.’ 

Newmedica Slough is based at Langley Business Park. The clinic is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Reena Dave, Miles Parnell and operations director Clare Baldwin.  

Reena Dave, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Clinical Partner at Newmedica Slough, added: ‘Cataracts are a very common eye condition that can develop when the eye’s clear lens forms cloudy or misty patches, usually as we get older. During surgery we remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new, artificial lens.  

‘For patients like Malcolm, the surgery can make a huge difference - not just to their vision, but to their ability to stay independent.’ 

Newmedica Slough offers a wide range of eye care services, including YAG laser capsulotomy, cataract surgery and treatment for conditions such as glaucoma, and oculoplastics.  

For further information about Newmedica Slough, visit https://www.newmedica.co.uk/clinics/slough/ or call 01753 942 021.