New eye hospital has a vision of care for youngest patients

With just 11 months to go until welcoming its first patients, healthcare leaders at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have revealed what to expect for children and young people if they need to visit the region's new Eye Hospital.

- by Katy Wheeler

Every year, the current Sunderland Eye Infirmary treats more than 11,000 children under 18 across its services.

Set to open in summer 2026, the new Eye Hospital in Sunderland will treat patients from across the North East, North Cumbria and beyond.

The region's new Eye Hospital will be part of the Riverside Sunderland development in the city centre and is being built by Kier in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

While clinical services will remain unchanged, they'll transfer to a modern, fit-for-purpose building - one that's been carefully designed to support every stage of life, including the youngest patients.