Mr Steven Harsum

I am a substantive consultant at Epsom and St Helier University NHS Trust and a UK trained eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) working within Surrey.

During my medical degree I was selected for the prestigious MBPhD course at University College London. This involved fast-track medical training, combined a second degree, and a three year research doctorate (PhD). My doctorate involved pioneering research into wound healing. During this time I developed my passion and skills for microsurgery.

After specialising in ophthalmology I trained in multiple hospitals in north and south London, spending the final two years at the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital as a fellow in medical and surgical retina.

Since starting at Epsom and St Helier I have introduced the latest micro-incision cataract and vitreo-retinal surgery. I perform 25 gauge sutureless day case vitrectomy surgery. This is used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as floaters, vitreous haemorrhage, diabetic retinal scarring, detached retinas, epiretinal membranes and macular holes. I also perform sub-2mm “micro-incision” cataract surgery and femtosecond laser cataract surgery. Compared to standard surgery, micro-incision surgery is less traumatic, faster, and safer for the patient. Surgery can be performed using only anaesthetic drops, rather than an injection to numb the eye. This surgery is combined with the latest multifocal lens implants to give outstanding vision for both near and distance without the need for glasses. After standard cataract surgery, available on the NHS, you will almost always need glasses. I am one of only a handful of surgeons in South East England using such small incision surgery. I am also the first surgeon in the UK to perform combined laser cataract surgery with vitrectomy surgery.

At Epsom and St Helier I was instrumental in starting up the new macular degeneration treatments, with systematic one-stop-shops and dedicated failsafe. I am also the clinical lead of the diabetic retinal screening service in Sutton and Merton and regularly act as an external quality assurance inspector, assessing the performance of other UK eye units. I was previously the audit lead at Epsom and St Helier, aiming to monitor and improve the quality of patient care and outcomes. I am currently the College Tutor responsible for delivering training to ophthalmologists.

I am passionate about both teaching and modern technology, incorporating my videos of operations and special imagery into my tutorials.

I have recently undertaken a number of charity trips to Guyana and Burma where I have treated blinding cataracts, severe diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and glaucoma.