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

The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery in London (across 9 NHS trusts) is approximately 10 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 46 weeks. There are 27,370 patients currently waiting on the Ophthalmology pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get cataract surgery privately in London?

London 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 London NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Across the 9 London NHS trusts in our dataset, the shortest median ophthalmology wait is at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (0 weeks). The full breakdown is shown in the table below.

Can I be referred to an NHS trust outside London 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 London: NHS wait vs private cost

The NHS waiting list for cataract surgery in London has a median wait of 10 weeks across 9 NHS trusts serving the area. Private treatment typically costs £2,700, ranging from £1,995 to £4,500.

NHS

Faster than the national average

10 weeks

Median wait in London

92nd percentile wait:: 46 weeks
Patients waiting:: 27,370
Seen within 18 weeks:: 2107%

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 London

NHS Trust	Median wait	92nd %ile	Patients waiting	< 18 wks
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust RJ1	10 wk	27 wk	3,884	2927%
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust RJ2	0 wk	0 wk	0	0%
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust RJ7	18 wk	35 wk	82	43%
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust RAS	10 wk	29 wk	2,631	2015%
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust RYJ	10 wk	35 wk	5,363	3898%
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust RP4	0 wk	0 wk	0	0%
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust RAL	12 wk	37 wk	6,960	4720%
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust RQM	17 wk	46 wk	2,387	1246%
Barts Health NHS Trust R1H	13 wk	33 wk	6,063	4112%

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