Harrogate eye hospital marks second anniversary with local football team sponsorship

A leading eye health clinic is celebrating its second anniversary by sponsoring Harrogate football team.

Since opening its doors in November 2024, Newmedica Harrogate, which supports NHS and private patients, has carried out more than 3,372 appointments and treatments, leading to nearly 2,350 cataract surgeries for patients first seen at the clinic.

Steve Kirk, Operations Director and Partner at Newmedica Harrogate, said: ‘Celebrating two years in Harrogate is a tremendous moment for our team.

"From the outset, our focus has always been to support as many people as possible with their eye health, making high-quality ophthalmology care more accessible to communities across Harrogate, Ripon and the wider North Yorkshire area."

Alongside its clinical work, Newmedica Harrogate has played an active role in supporting local causes and organisations.

The most recent activity includes its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC, which saw them sponsor a matchday and pitch side banner.

The clinic has also provided dedicated support for the club’s walking football initiative, which forms part forms part of its Community Foundation, and provides an accessible and social way for people to stay active, meet others and continue enjoying football. They also sponsored the players bibs as part of this initiative.

Most recently, Steve joined in for one of the clubs matches, scoring two goals which contributed to an 8-6 victory for the team.

He was delighted to get involved and experience the initiative first-hand, with a chance to meet more people within the local community and build the connections further.

Steve added: ‘Supporting local sport is another way for us to play an active role in the community we serve, and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Harrogate Town AFC.

‘Our purpose is centred on helping people protect their sight so they can continue doing things they love, and initiatives such as walking football complement that by encouraging people to stay active, social and connected, and it was wonderful to be a part of that. We wish the team the best of luck for the season ahead.’

Lynsey Barraclough, Head of Community Foundation at Harrogate Town AFC said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to the team at Newmedica Harrogate and for their continued support throughout this partnership.

"Having Steve join us on the pitch at our recent match was great fun, and we can’t thank him enough.

‘Team sport plays a vital role in the local community, not only by improving health and wellbeing but by creating an inclusive environment where people can socialise and feel connected, which is exactly what our walking football initiative is designed to do.’  

Newmedica Harrogate is owned and run by consultant ophthalmologists Aldrin Khan, Kamran Khan, David Dunleavy and David Richards alongside operations director, Steve Kirk.

It caters for eye services across the region, including Harrogate, Summerbridge, Markington, Boroughbridge, Scriven, Ripon and surrounding areas.