How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the SE1 postcode?

Patients living in the SE1 postcode (Southwark (SE1)) are typically referred to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery across these trusts is approximately 5 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 27 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for SE1 residents.

Which NHS trust serves SE1 residents?

SE1 (Southwark (SE1)) is part of the SE postcode area, which is primarily served by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice rules you can also ask your GP to refer you to a different trust with a shorter wait — this is your legal right.

How much does private cataract surgery cost near SE1?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. London 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 SE1?

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 SE1 (Southwark (SE1))

If you live in the SE1 postcode (Southwark (SE1)), your GP will most likely refer you to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery is 5 weeks. Private treatment from £1,995.

NHS

Faster than the national average

5 weeks

Median wait for SE1 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 27 weeks
Patients waiting:: 3,884
Seen within 18 weeks:: 1464%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 2 NHS trusts serving the SE 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. SE1 sits inside the wider SE postcode area, and patients are typically referred to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust or Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.