Cataract surgery waiting times on the NHS
The NHS waiting list for cataract surgery is counted under ophthalmology: in August 2026, 9 in 10 people on it at a typical hospital had waited less than 24 weeks (NHS England). Ophthalmology also includes glaucoma, retinal and other eye clinic appointments.
Shortest waits for ophthalmology, August 2026
- Practice Plus Group Hospital - Plymouth 10 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Probus Surgical Centre 10 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Spamedica Newcastle-under-Lyme 11 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Spamedica Sheffield Community Diagnostic and Treatment Centre 12 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- ACES Milton Keynes 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Chaucer Hospital 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Norwich and Norfolk Surgical Ltd (N2S) 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
- Optegra Eye Hospital Brighton 13 weeks most people Free on the NHS See this hospital
Every hospital in England, or pick your area: Enfield Manchester Birmingham Leeds Newcastle upon Tyne Sheffield Liverpool
Latest monthly: NHS England, . Data checked .
What the wait includes
Cataract surgery is usually a day case with a short pathway: one outpatient assessment, then the operation. Many of the shortest ophthalmology waits in England are at independent eye clinics that treat NHS patients, and they appear in the rankings with their band.
Paying privately instead
Cataract surgery: usually £2,750 to £4,000, guide price, checked October 2026. Sources
Paying could save around 16 weeks, at a typical cost of £3,250.
How to be treated sooner
If you have been told you need cataract surgery, you can choose the provider at referral. Independent providers often have the shortest ophthalmology bands; check the one nearest you, and ask your optometrist or GP to refer you there.
Questions people ask
How long is the NHS waiting list for cataract surgery?
Waits are published for ophthalmology as a whole, not cataract surgery alone. In August 2026, at a typical hospital most people on the waiting list had waited less than 24 weeks; the shortest was Practice Plus Group Hospital - Plymouth, 10 weeks.
Is each eye a separate wait?
Often, yes. Most hospitals operate on one eye at a time, and the second eye can mean a second spell on the list.
Who can refer me for cataract surgery?
Your optometrist or your GP. In many areas an optometrist can refer you straight to an eye clinic.