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

The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery in Bristol (across 2 NHS trusts) is approximately 5 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 33 weeks. There are 6,593 patients currently waiting on the Ophthalmology pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get cataract surgery privately in Bristol?

Bristol has private hospitals operated by Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health, and HCA Healthcare among others. Private cataract surgery typically costs £1,995–£4,500 in the UK. Most private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. Ask your GP for a referral letter or self-refer directly.

Will going private affect my NHS care for cataract surgery?

No. You can self-fund private treatment without affecting your NHS care or losing your place on the NHS waiting list. Many patients use private providers to access faster surgery while keeping the NHS option as a backup.

Which Bristol NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Across the 2 Bristol NHS trusts in our dataset, the shortest median ophthalmology wait is at North Bristol NHS Trust (0 weeks). The full breakdown is shown in the table below.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside Bristol for a faster wait?

Yes. Under the NHS Patient Choice rules, you have the right to ask your GP to refer you to any NHS trust in England — not just the one closest to your home. If a trust elsewhere has a shorter waiting list, you can request a referral there. Travel costs are your own responsibility.

Cataract surgery in Bristol: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for cataract surgery in Bristol has a median wait of 5 weeks across 2 NHS trusts serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £2,700, ranging from £1,995 to £4,500.

NHS

Faster than the national average

5 weeks

Median wait in Bristol

92nd percentile wait:: 33 weeks
Patients waiting:: 6,593
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2499%

Free at the point of use. Specialty-level data covering Ophthalmology.

Private

Days, not weeks

£2,700

Typical UK private price

Lowest published:: £1,995
Highest published:: £4,500
Typical wait:: 2–4 weeks

Self-fund or use health insurance. Major UK groups: Spire, Nuffield, Circle, HCA.

NHS trusts serving Bristol

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust RA7	9 wk	32 wk	6,593	4997%
North Bristol NHS Trust RVJ	0 wk	0 wk	0	0%

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