HAMBLETON and Richmondshire patients are benefiting from specialist eye care closer to home, thanks to a new service at the Friarage Surgical Centre.
Since October 2025, 81 patients have received life-changing vitreo-retinal surgery at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
The service was launched after Friends of the Friarage raised more than £200,000 in donations for the installation of new surgical equipment.
Prior to the new service, patients living in Hambleton and Richmondshire undergoing vitreo-retinal surgery had to travel to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for their treatment.
They were required to attend multiple appointments and were unable to drive if they had been given drops or injections – leaving many reliant on the support of friends and family, public transport, or expensive taxis to return home safely.
Carri Ramsbottom from Friends of the Friarage said: “Friends of the Friarage believe that every patient deserves high-quality care closer to home and this service is a shining example of our commitment to achieve this.
“It has been incredible to see how much of a difference the new service has made to our patients in such a few short months.
We all want to return to the comfort of our own homes as quickly as possible following surgery, and it has been an honour to help make that a reality for our patients."
Meet Andrew
Software engineer, Andrew McDonald from Northallerton was the first patient to undergo vitreo surgery at the Friarage Surgical Centre in October 2025.
Prior to his surgery, Andrew suffered a leakage in his eye, caused by complications from uveitis; inflammation of the eye, which was significantly impacting Andrew’s day-to-day life.
Under the expert care of consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Mr Ahmed Saad, he agreed to go ahead with the vitreo-retinal surgery in the hope that it would restore some of his sight.
He said: “As the Friarage Hospital is within walking distance from my house, I was able to walk in, have my operation and walk home. It doesn’t get any better than that.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Saad and his wonderful team for their ongoing compassion and support from my initial appointments right through to my operation.
They are all so kind and caring and I would recommend anyone thinking about going for vitreo surgery at the Friarage to just do it – the team will really look after you.
“As for the fundraisers and supporters of Friends of the Friarage, they are unsung heroes and a very special group of people, who helped make this possible.
“Eight months on, my eye is improving really well and is making a huge difference to my quality of life.”
Mr Saad said: “The introduction of vitreo-retinal surgery at the Friarage is already having a huge impact on our patients, like Andrew.
“Previously, our patients had to travel to other hospitals for this type of specialist treatment but now they can receive sight-saving treatment closer to home, reducing travel and waiting times, and making care more accessible and convenient for them and their families.
We are extremely grateful to Friends of the Friarage for their generosity and support. Their contribution is directly helping us preserve and restore sight for people in our community, and we truly appreciate their continued commitment to supporting patient care at the Friarage.”