How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the UK?

The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery (within the Ophthalmology specialty) in England is approximately 12 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 33 weeks. Waits vary significantly by NHS trust — see the city breakdowns below for local figures.

How much does private cataract surgery cost in the UK?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. Prices vary by hospital group, surgeon experience, and what's included (anaesthesia, follow-ups, physiotherapy). Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health and BMI Healthcare are the main private hospital groups offering this procedure.

Can I switch from NHS to private for cataract surgery?

Yes. You can self-fund or use private health insurance to access cataract surgery privately while remaining on the NHS waiting list. Many patients do this to avoid the long wait. Some private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. You will not lose your NHS place by getting a private opinion or treatment.

Which cities have the shortest NHS waits for cataract surgery?

Based on the latest NHS England RTT data, the UK cities with the shortest median waits for ophthalmology (the specialty covering cataract surgery) include Bristol (5 weeks), Liverpool (7 weeks), Sunderland (9 weeks), Leeds (9 weeks), Newcastle upon Tyne (9 weeks). See the full city table below.

Is cataract surgery covered by private health insurance?

Most major UK health insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA) cover cataract surgery on standard policies, subject to underwriting and policy terms. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Always confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling.

Cataract surgery: NHS wait vs private cost

Removal of a cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The current NHS median wait is approximately 12 weeks. Private treatment typically costs £1,995–£4,500.

NHS median wait (England)

12 weeks

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Long-tail wait (92nd percentile)

33 weeks

213,387 patients waiting

Private cost (typical)

£2,700

Range £1,995–£4,500

Compare eyecare prices on Treatcompare

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NHS wait by city — fastest first

City	Median wait	Compare locally
Bristol	5 weeks	See Bristol →
Liverpool	7 weeks	See Liverpool →
Sunderland	9 weeks	See Sunderland →
Leeds	9 weeks	See Leeds →
Newcastle upon Tyne	9 weeks	See Newcastle upon Tyne →
Middlesbrough	10 weeks	See Middlesbrough →
London	10 weeks	See London →
Southampton	11 weeks	See Southampton →
Reading	11 weeks	See Reading →
Bradford	11 weeks	See Bradford →
Preston	12 weeks	See Preston →
Plymouth	12 weeks	See Plymouth →
Sheffield	12 weeks	See Sheffield →
Brighton	12 weeks	See Brighton →
Hull	13 weeks	See Hull →
Leicester	13 weeks	See Leicester →
York	14 weeks	See York →
Exeter	14 weeks	See Exeter →
Norwich	14 weeks	See Norwich →
Cambridge	14 weeks	See Cambridge →
Portsmouth	14 weeks	See Portsmouth →
Birmingham	15 weeks	See Birmingham →
Stoke-on-Trent	15 weeks	See Stoke-on-Trent →
Nottingham	15 weeks	See Nottingham →
Derby	17 weeks	See Derby →
Oxford	17 weeks	See Oxford →
Blackpool	17 weeks	See Blackpool →
Coventry	17 weeks	See Coventry →
Manchester	18 weeks	See Manchester →
Milton Keynes	20 weeks	See Milton Keynes →

Looking for cataract surgery waits by postcode?

We also publish wait times by postcode area, mapped to the NHS trust most likely to accept your GP referral.

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All English cities

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