How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the S1 postcode?

Patients living in the S1 postcode (Sheffield city centre (S1)) are typically referred to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery across these trusts is approximately 12 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 33 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for S1 residents.

How much does private cataract surgery cost near S1?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. Sheffield 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 S1?

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 S1 (Sheffield city centre (S1))

If you live in the S1 postcode (Sheffield city centre (S1)), your GP will most likely refer you to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The current England-wide median NHS wait for cataract surgery is 12 weeks (local trusts have not yet published this month's data). Private treatment from £1,995.

NHS

Faster than the national average

12 weeks

Median wait for S1 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 33 weeks
Patients waiting:: 0
Seen within 18 weeks:: 3400%

Free at the point of use. Local trust data not yet published this month — showing England-wide median.

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. S1 sits inside the wider S postcode area, and patients are typically referred to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.