A specialist eye surgery service at the Friarage Hospital is helping patients from Hambleton and Richmondshire receive treatment closer to home, following a fundraising campaign that raised more than £200,000 for new equipment.
Since launching in October 2025, the vitreo-retinal surgery service at the Friarage Surgical Centre has treated 81 patients with conditions affecting vision, including retinal detachment, macular holes and complications linked to diabetic eye disease.
The service was introduced after supporters of Friends of the Friarage funded the installation of specialist surgical equipment through donations from the local community.
Before the service became available in Northallerton, patients requiring vitreo-retinal surgery had to travel to The James Cook University Hospital for treatment. Many faced multiple journeys and often relied on relatives, public transport or taxis because they were unable to drive following procedures involving eye drops or injections.
Carri Ramsbottom, from Friends of the Friarage, said the charity believes patients should be able to access high-quality care closer to home and described the new service as a clear example of that commitment.
Among those to benefit is Northallerton software engineer Andrew McDonald, who became the first patient to undergo vitreo-retinal surgery at the Friarage Surgical Centre in October 2025.
Andrew required treatment after suffering leakage in his eye caused by complications from uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition that was affecting his daily life. Under the care of consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon Ahmed Saad, he underwent surgery in the hope of restoring some of his sight.
Because he lives close to the hospital, Andrew was able to walk to and from his operation.
Eight months after the procedure, he says his eye is continuing to improve and that the surgery has made a significant difference to his quality of life. He also praised both the clinical team and the fundraisers whose efforts helped make the service possible.
Mr Saad said the introduction of vitreo-retinal surgery at the Friarage was already having a major impact, allowing patients to receive specialist, sight-saving treatment locally rather than travelling to larger hospitals elsewhere in the region.
He added that reducing travel and waiting times has made care more accessible and convenient for patients and their families, while thanking Friends of the Friarage for their support in helping preserve and restore sight for people across the community.
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