As we look forward to the opening of Sunderland’s new eye hospital in 2026, we’re inviting you to pause and look back with us.
‘Eye Remember’ is a special series celebrating the memories, moments and people that have made Sunderland Eye Infirmary so much more than a building.
Whether you’re a patient, family member, staff member or part of our wider community, we’d love to hear your stories.
Did a moment here change your life? Do you remember a kind word, a helping hand or a friendly face? Send us your memories and be part of the legacy.
Photos welcome. Stories encouraged!
The amazing staff at the eye infirmary saved my eyesight when at age 12 I developed a nasty eye infection in what was then my good eye. I was terrified and the staff were just unbelievably kind as well as being exceptionally skilled professionals. They made me a crown and named me the princess of the ward. They would read Harry Potter to me and kept me up to date with TV shows I liked. Because of them I'm partially sighted rather than blind and that's allowed me to train and qualify as a mental health nurse - hopefully helping others and showing compassion like they did for me during an extremely scary time for me and my family - Nicol Louise (Facebook)
I used to take my late dad regularly to eye infirmary as he suffered from glaucoma. He was under the care of Mr Fraser and his team. What excellent care and advice they gave him. We are so lucky to have this facility in our city. - June Holmes (Facebook)
I had three operations and lots of treatment at the Sunderland Eye Infirmary and received the most excellent care. All the staff were very professional, very friendly and always put your feelings first to put you at ease and I couldn't thank them enough for the treatment I received. And that of many family members who were and continue to be treated there. - Pauline Cornell (Facebook)
I first started going to the Eye Infirmary around 1952 when I was 2 years old. I remember as I got older having to put the lion into the cage on the machine. My Consultant was Dr Nairak and when I was about 10 years old he mentioned maybe doing an operation on my eye to correct it and I ran around screaming because I was scared. Thankfully after years of having a patch on one glasses lens I was able to straighten my eye myself without surgery. I never imagined on that day that I'd eventually become a Theatre Nurse myself for thirty years although I only dabbled in Opthalmology in an emergency situation and only when I had to but I did eventually do voluntary work in Bangladesh where I saw some horrendous eye conditions but dealt with them quite happily. - Kathy Haq (Facebook)
I worked here for 25 years as a porter, I enjoyed working with the portering team. the staff were brilliant and I miss them. They always put the patients first. this is a good hospital. - Michael Butterworth (Facebook)
Eye Remember. The conversation with the consultant saying she was going on holiday but before she left she asked if I would see another consultant while she was on holiday. Shortly afterwards I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Thank you Wendy Adam’s for your total 100% support and compassion - Julie Musgrove (Facebook)
Eye remember - the care and compassion shown 10 years ago when my mam needed cataract surgery. My dad was palliative and my mam had one eye done, the team at SEI did everything in their power to ensure both eyes were treated before dad passed. He went to every appointment with her knowing her sight would be as good as possible which was really important to him. Mam was eternally grateful for that gift - Angela Wilkinson (Facebook)
My mam had her cataracts done there many years ago when they and to stay in for ten days them I had mine done and had a film crew in while they did the operation so I felt like a star very enjoyable and dr Alan talked all the way through the op for the film crew to tape. - Mavis Cogdon (Facebook)
I worked at SEI for 6 years, 3 years in hospitality, 3 years in theatre, loved my time there, then I moved to SRH 18 years , my first eye operation was working along with mr featherstone , watching him removing a patient eye , so fascinating to watch , I went on to the next 18 years working in theatre, very interesting experience working in theatre. - Meg Hadlington (Facebook)
I have been attending the Eye Infirmary since 1960(ish), I remember the children's department with the animals & cages, I can remember saying to the receptionist after she asked me if I had a file & I replied no I have a filing cabinet as I've been here that many times. I have also visited Moorfield (London) & Southampton eye hospitals only to come across Consultants who had trained at the Eye Infirmany on Sunderland. Most liked Consultant David Inglesby such a Gentleman, sorry to see him retire. - Ian Wilson (Facebook)
My son Gavin was born with bilateral cataracts. October 2014 he had his first surgery at Sunderland Eye Infirmary. His procedure was carried out by Mr Gnanaraj and what a wonderful man he is, absolutely brilliant with Gavin. He is also seen by Mr Cook who is also amazing with my son. All staff are very caring and professional, can't thank them enough for my sons treatment over the years. Gavin has visits every 4 month or so and he always loves coming here for his appointment - Kay Tansey (Facebook)
I had steroid induced cataracts and got them both done by mr wride absolutely outstanding care and mr wride was brilliant I remember coming out of the hospital and couldn’t believe the difference in the colours of the flowers. Next up was shingles in my eye back and forth to the eye infirmary ED for over a week never kept waiting for my appointments and couldn’t fault any of the staff absolutely amazing thank you x - Janice Smith (Facebook)
Eye remember the fabulous care you gave my Dad and now myself I hope you can transport the lovely caring atmosphere to the new build.
- Jilly Campbell (Facebook)
Friendly professional service by all on entering the building- lucky to have them. - Alex Donaldson (Facebook)
I had a cataract removed in the eye infirmary when I was 2 years old and had my eye straighted when I was a lot older . I want to be a volunteer when I retire. - Christine Peach (Facebook)
I have been attending Glaucoma Clinic for many years, so Thankful to my consultant lovely Mr.M D Doherty & all the staff for excellent care at every visit. So looking forward to seeing inside the new Eye Hospital when up and running. - Pauline Oconnor (Facebook)
We are so lucky to have this wonderful Eye infirmary in our region my son had an eye correction 60years ago and I had cataract operation about 15yearsago Thank you Sunderland eye Infirmary the very best of the NHS - Margaret Bolton (Facebook)
I went there last October after getting a tree branch in my eye. They were great at the A & E Deparyment. Then I was there again in March with Macular holes and cataracts in both eyes, had my first operation in April to close the hole and remove the cataract, found all of the staff very professional and friendly. Waiting for other eye to be done. - Helen Ward (Facebook)
Eye remember my eyes haemorrhaging and Mr Habib fixing them both and continuing to be one of the most caring and efficient healthcare professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a patient under. I’ll forever sing his praises. And being a member of staff that has worked there, all the staff are lovely and friendly and welcoming. I’ll always love the eye infirmary
- Donna Jackson (Facebook)
I had a detached retina corrected here... within 2/3 days of a routine eye check up I was in here and sorted...the staff and my Dr were wonderful! - Michelle Davison (Facebook)
I have recently had ongoing treatments and minor surgeries relating to my cornea. Mr Baylis and his team have been brilliant - vigilant, caring and talented. Also Mr Baylis's secretary has always gone that extra mile to clarify any queries I had. All of the nursing staff in outpatients and the emergency department have been lovely. Plus every on call Consultant/Doctor/Opthalmologist in out patients and emergency department have been thorough, caring and professional. Sunderland Eye Infirmary has always been excellent, in my experience - Christine Owen (Norman Mackenzie Facebook)
I had a detached retina - 21yr Ago! Mr David Inglesby done my operation, what a wonderful man! A True Gentleman! Plus I never had a bit of bother with my eye! He done a wonderful job. I’m under them at the moment and they have been amazing. Cannot thank them enough - Linda Hall (Facebook)
I work there for a lot of year and I can honestly say it was one of my favourite jobs and we were like a family xxx - Andrea Swan (Facebook)
I remember and am still under treatment for all of the care I have had during my operations it is like a family from consultants Dr nurses care staff cleaners technitions the lot I have received nothing but the best care, a big thank you to Mr Gooch and the team - Ruth Masters (Facebook)
Eye remember spending lots of time throughout my son's childhood there from him being 1year old till he was 16. He had a few operations and spent time on the children's ward where the staff were fabulous to monthly outpatient appointments. We spent so much time there as a child and now as an adult he is working there as a porter. - Sharell Patterson (Facebook)
My youngest daughter in January 1976 had cataracts removed from both eyes. She had her 1st birthday in hospital and attended there until 18years and off to university. My husband had his cataracts removed there (all good) and I am waiting for cataract treatment. Always an excellent hospital but new one and up to date facilities will be a bonus for the city. - Sandra Cruddace (Facebook)
