TV chef James Martin, 53, has candidly revealed that his colleagues on ITV’s Saturday Morning show are now a little wary of him—thanks to his dramatically improved eyesight following recent eye surgery.
Known for presenting the weekend cooking show from his home alongside fellow food experts and celebrity guests, James discussed how his precision and attention to detail have intensified in recent months. During a chat on Good Housekeeping’s My Life In A Biscuit Tin podcast with presenter Liz Moseley, James was asked whether his meticulous nature might make him hard to work with.
Laughing, James admitted the trait has grown stronger after his operation: “I see stuff a mile off now.” He explained, “Not worse exactly, but I’ve had laser surgery—or, more precisely, full refractive lens surgery, where my natural eye lenses were replaced with artificial ones.”
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Describing the remarkable results, he said, “Oh my God, I can see around corners now! It’s a bit scary. People at work are actually frightened because I can spot the tiniest details a mile away. I can even read without glasses now—it’s amazing.”
Refractive or clear lens surgery involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with a tailored artificial lens to correct focusing issues, explains Nuffield Health. For James, the newfound clarity has given him a fresh perspective both literally and figuratively.
Despite the remarkable vision correction, James emphasized that his intense focus comes from years in the kitchen, where every detail counts. “That level of attention comes from working in an industry where detail is everything,” he said.
He also noted how this mindset carries into his television work. The Saturday Morning team regularly debriefs after each show, discussing what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. “We have meetings at the end and start of each day—just like in a restaurant. It’s a chef’s approach applied to TV,” James explained.
This blend of new vision and veteran experience continues to shape James Martin’s dedication to his craft, both on-screen and off.