Have you not tried walking from the Eye Infirmary down to Grangetown or down by the park? Must be a ten minute or less walk each way - I do it all the time as I have friends who live up in the Ashbrooke Range area. Usually get there faster than the 10/11.
Also the 38 on Tunstall Rd as an alternative to walking back over to Ryhope Rd. About a 5 minute walk from the Eye Infirmary.
RE: Go North East Service Suggestions