Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, offers vitreo surgery

Eighty-one people have received vitreo-retinal surgery at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton since the service began in October 2025, bringing advanced ophthalmic care to the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas.

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.”

The charitable group raised more than £200,000 to fund new surgical equipment, making the specialised eye surgery possible.

Vitreo-retinal surgery treats serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, macular holes and complications from diabetic eye disease.

Before the service launched, patients in the area had to travel to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, often requiring multiple appointments and assistance getting home, due to being unable to drive after receiving eye drops or injections.

The first to benefit was Andrew McDonald, a software engineer from Northallerton, who underwent vitreo surgery at the Friarage Surgical Centre in October 2025 after experiencing leakage in his eye caused by complications from uveitis; inflammation of the eye, which was significantly impacting his day-to-day life.

Mr McDonald 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.”

He was under the care of Mr Ahmed Saad, consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon.

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.”