Staff Spotlight: Mr Steve Hayes
At Hampshire ENT Clinics, we are proud to highlight Mr Steve Hayes, Consultant ENT Surgeon and the highest-volume lacrimal surgeon in the region, leading one of the largest lacrimal services on the South Coast.
A Leader in Lacrimal (Tear Duct) Surgery
Mr Hayes specialises in disorders of the tear drainage system, managing patients with persistent watery eyes (epiphora), recurrent infections, and complex lacrimal obstruction. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of lacrimal disease, from straightforward nasolacrimal duct obstruction to complex revision cases.
He is particularly known for his expertise in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)—a minimally invasive technique performed through the nose, avoiding external scars and enabling rapid recovery.
High-Volume Practice, Better Outcomes
Surgical volume matters. As the highest-volume lacrimal surgeon, Mr Hayes brings the benefits associated with experience and repetition: refined technique, efficient surgery, and consistently strong outcomes. This depth of experience is reflected in the scale and success of the lacrimal service he leads.
Multidisciplinary Care with Oculoplastics
Modern lacrimal care is collaborative. Mr Hayes works closely with oculoplastic surgeons to ensure seamless management of conditions at the interface of the eye and nose. This joint approach is particularly valuable for patients with complex anatomy, previous surgery, or co-existing eyelid disorders.
Extensive Training and Academic Foundations
Mr Hayes completed extensive specialist training in ENT surgery, complemented by advanced experience in lacrimal and nasal procedures. His academic background includes a PhD, underpinning a practice that is evidence-based, meticulous, and continually evolving.
Leading a Multidisciplinary Lacrimal Team
Today, Mr Hayes runs a dedicated multidisciplinary lacrimal team, bringing together ENT surgeons, oculoplastic colleagues, radiology, nursing specialists, and theatre teams. This structure allows:
Accurate diagnosis
Individualised treatment planning
Efficient surgical pathways
Comprehensive follow-up and long-term care
Why Patients Choose Mr Steve Hayes
Highest-volume lacrimal surgeon locally
Large, established lacrimal service
Close collaboration with oculoplastic surgeons
Advanced endoscopic techniques with no external scars
Consultant-led, multidisciplinary care
If you are troubled by watery eyes, recurrent eye infections, or suspected tear duct blockage, expert assessment and modern treatment are available. Contact Hampshire ENT Clinics to arrange a consultation with Mr Steve Hayes and access specialist lacrimal care delivered by a true regional leader.
Who is Mr Steve Hayes?
Mr Steve Hayes is a Consultant ENT Surgeon and the highest-volume lacrimal surgeon in the region, leading a large, established lacrimal service on the South Coast.
What does a lacrimal surgeon do?
A lacrimal surgeon treats disorders of the tear drainage system, including blocked tear ducts, recurrent eye infections, and persistent watery eyes (epiphora). These conditions often sit at the interface between ENT and ophthalmology.
What conditions does Mr Hayes commonly treat?
Mr Hayes regularly manages:
Persistent watery eyes (epiphora)
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Recurrent dacryocystitis (tear sac infection)
Failed or recurrent tear duct surgery
Complex lacrimal obstruction involving nasal disease
Why does surgical volume matter in lacrimal surgery?
High surgical volume is associated with:
Greater technical expertise
Higher success rates
Lower complication rates
As the highest-volume lacrimal surgeon locally, Mr Hayes brings this experience to every case.
What is DCR surgery?
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure that creates a new drainage pathway from the tear sac into the nose, bypassing the blocked duct.
Does Mr Hayes perform endoscopic DCR?
Yes. Mr Hayes specialises in endoscopic DCR, performed through the nose using a camera. Benefits include:
No external scar
Faster recovery
Excellent long-term success rates
Does Mr Hayes work with ophthalmologists?
Yes. He works closely with oculoplastic surgeons, providing truly multidisciplinary care for patients with complex tear duct and eyelid problems.
What makes the lacrimal service unique?
Mr Hayes runs a large, multidisciplinary lacrimal service, bringing together:
ENT and oculoplastic surgeons
Specialist nurses
Radiology and theatre teams
This ensures accurate diagnosis, streamlined surgery, and excellent follow-up care.
What symptoms suggest I may need lacrimal assessment?
You may benefit from specialist review if you have:
Constant watery eyes
Recurrent sticky or infected eyes
Swelling near the inner corner of the eye
Symptoms that have not responded to eye drops
Is lacrimal surgery safe?
When performed by an experienced high-volume specialist, lacrimal surgery is very safe, with high success rates and low complication risk.
Do I need a referral to see Mr Steve Hayes?
You can be referred by your GP, optometrist, or ophthalmologist, or you can self-refer privately through Hampshire ENT Clinics.
How do I book an appointment?
To arrange an expert lacrimal assessment with Mr Steve Hayes, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics and access specialist tear duct care delivered by a regional leader in the field.