David H. Steel joined Sunderland Eye Infirmary, in 1998, where he is currently a Consultant Retinal Specialist. He is also an Honorary Professor of retinal surgery with Newcastle University and a Visiting Professor of ophthalmology with the University of Liverpool. He has published over 280 peer-reviewed publications with over 12,000 citations and an H-index of 53, in 2023. As a clinical academic, he aims to help bridge the gap between the clinic and the laboratory. As such, his program of research extends from the laboratory investigation of mechanisms of retinal disease in experimental models, through preclinical development of novel therapies, to trials of new medical and surgical interventions and systematic evidence reviews. He aims to reduce the prevalence of blindness, using translational research to improve the care of patients. He was named the U.K. NIHR and Royal College of Ophthalmologists Researcher of the Year Award, in 2018. He is the Past President of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and an Elected Executive Board Member of the International Renowned Retinal Society, Club Jules Gonin.