How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the CB1 postcode?

Patients living in the CB1 postcode (Cambridge city centre (CB1)) are typically referred to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery across these trust is approximately 14 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 43 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for CB1 residents.

How much does private cataract surgery cost near CB1?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. Cambridge has private hospitals from Spire, Nuffield, Circle, or HCA Healthcare offering this procedure with a typical wait of 2–4 weeks. Always confirm the exact total cost (including consultation, surgery, anaesthesia, follow-ups) before booking.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside CB1?

Yes. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can 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 for treatment further from home are your own responsibility.

Cataract surgery in CB1 (Cambridge city centre (CB1))

If you live in the CB1 postcode (Cambridge city centre (CB1)), your GP will most likely refer you to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery is 14 weeks. Private treatment from £1,995.

NHS

Around the national average

14 weeks

Median wait for CB1 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 43 weeks
Patients waiting:: 4,459
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2645%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 1 NHS trust serving the CB area.

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.

How outcode waits work: NHS England publishes wait times per NHS trust, not per outcode. CB1 sits inside the wider CB postcode area, and patients are typically referred to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.