How long is the NHS wait for cataract surgery in the SO14 postcode?

Patients living in the SO14 postcode (Southampton city centre (SO14)) are typically referred to University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery across these trust is approximately 11 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 35 weeks. NHS England publishes wait times at the trust level, not the outcode level — so this is the closest accurate breakdown for SO14 residents.

How much does private cataract surgery cost near SO14?

Private cataract surgery in the UK typically costs £1,995–£4,500, with a typical price around £2,700. Southampton 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 SO14?

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 SO14 (Southampton city centre (SO14))

If you live in the SO14 postcode (Southampton city centre (SO14)), your GP will most likely refer you to University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery is 11 weeks. Private treatment from £1,995.

NHS

Faster than the national average

11 weeks

Median wait for SO14 residents

92nd percentile wait:: 35 weeks
Patients waiting:: 6,347
Seen within 18 weeks:: 4455%

Free at the point of use. Aggregated from 1 NHS trust serving the SO 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. SO14 sits inside the wider SO postcode area, and patients are typically referred to University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Under NHS Patient Choice you can ask to be referred to any trust in England — not just the local one.