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

The current median NHS wait for cataract surgery in Sheffield (across 0 NHS trusts) is approximately 12 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 33 weeks. There are 0 patients currently waiting on the Ophthalmology pathway across these trusts.

Where can I get cataract surgery privately in Sheffield?

Sheffield 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 Sheffield NHS trust has the shortest wait?

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the main NHS trust serving Sheffield for this procedure, with a current median wait of 0 weeks.

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

The NHS waiting list for cataract surgery in Sheffield is approximately 12 weeks (national specialty median — Sheffield trusts have not yet published this month's data). Private treatment typically costs £2,700, ranging from £1,995 to £4,500.

NHS

Faster than the national average

12 weeks

Median wait in Sheffield

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

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.

Showing national average: Sheffield's NHS trust (Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) did not publish Ophthalmology waiting time data in the latest NHS England RTT extract (Jan 2026). The figures above are the England-wide median for ophthalmology and will refresh automatically when the next monthly extract is published.

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