How Lens Replacement Surgery Changed the Outlook for Cliff Parisi

For over two decades, actor Cliff Parisi (renowned for his roles in Call the Midwife and EastEnders) viewed the world through a thick set of frames. When Cliff’s short-sightedness became so debilitating that even his character, Fred Buckle, had to adopt glasses, he realised he needed to do something about his vision. We recently welcomed Cliff to Optegra Eye Hospital Central London, where he underwent a life-changing procedure to reclaim his vision and his career.

The Professional Challenges of Poor Vision

In the professional world of acting, the eyes are a primary tool for connection, but for Cliff, his heavy frames were doing more than just correcting his sight; they were obstructing his performance. He found himself constantly switching between wearing glasses to read scripts and removing them to act, until his distance vision deteriorated so much that he could no longer see the set clearly. The period accuracy required for his character’s glasses also made it difficult for cameras to capture his expressions and for Cliff to feel connected to his audience.

Beyond the aesthetic challenges on screen, his dependence on glasses created significant physical limitations. From safety concerns in the kitchen to the fast movements required for action shots, his vision was a constant hurdle. Cliff began to feel that his glasses felt like a barrier between him and the audience, leaving him less able to convey emotion and thought through his eyes.

Clinical Assessment and Recommendation

After a comprehensive consultation at our London Queen Anne Street hospital, Optegra consultant surgeon Mr. Javad Moayedi recommended lens replacement surgery. This procedure is extremely similar to cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgery in the NHS.

Mr. Moayedi explained how it works: “The eye’s natural lens is replaced with a bespoke artificial lens, tailored specifically to the patient’s prescription and lifestyle needs.”

The surgeon noted that “For Cliff, the priority was to restore mid-to-distance vision so that he could navigate bright sets, read instruments while flying his private plane, and remove the need for varifocals.”

The Surgical Experience

Regarding the procedure itself, Cliff said: “I felt some initial nervousness, but the team reassured me throughout the process. The surgery was efficient, taking approximately 20 minutes for both eyes, and was entirely painless.” 

Cliff reported that he could see better almost immediately, even with protective shields in place, and felt his vision was fully corrected by the following day.

Life with Better Than 20:20 Vision

The results have been described by Cliff as “liberating,” as his vision is now better than 20:20 – a first in his life. Since the surgery, Cliff has noted a significant improvement in his daily activities, such as being able to attend football matches and see the action on the field clearly, without relying on the stadium’s big screens.

As an amateur pilot, he no longer struggles with the limitations of varifocals when checking flight instruments or navigating his aircraft, providing him with total confidence in the cockpit.

Cliff reports that these changes extend to his personal life, too: “I’ve enjoyed a newfound independence where I’m no longer worried about forgetting my glasses when I’m leaving the house, or about my frames falling off when I play with my kids. It’s been life-changing.”

Clinical Excellence at Optegra

At Optegra, we have successfully completed over one million eye procedures, helping patients like Cliff rediscover the world without the burden of glasses or contact lenses. Whether you’re interested in lens replacement, laser eye surgery, or require support for medical conditions such as cataracts, our world-renowned surgeons provide expert care.

As Cliff Parisi’s journey proves, the results of lens replacement surgery can be truly transformative. If you’re ready to live a life free from glasses, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Book a free consultation today!