NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in West Malling

Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics)

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

15 weeks

That's 3½ months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics) currently has 28 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 15 weeks from GP referral. About 5 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 5 have been waiting over a year. Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics) is an Independent Sector provider in the South East region. Waits at this hospital are about 9.2 weeks shorter than in April 2025. It's slipped down 35 places in the national league for this department's; now 307 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
15weeks
▼ -9.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
5in 10
▲ +17.4 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
28
▼ -30
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
5
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
5 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
28
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
101 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
5 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
19 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

Of those waiting over a year, here's how long they've been waiting:

1waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
4waiting over 1.5 years (78+ weeks)

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▼ -9.2 wks

How long are people waiting?

Distribution of patients by how many weeks they've been on the waiting list.

How does this compare?

The national average wait to see an ophthalmologist is about 8 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 307th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 52nd out of 52 in South East

What does Ophthalmology (Eye Care) cover?

Common conditions and procedures for this department:

Cataract surgery
Glaucoma treatment
Macular degeneration
Diabetic eye screening
Squint correction
Tear duct problems
Eyelid surgery
Laser eye treatment
Retinal detachment

Hospital contact

Main hospital switchboard. ask to be connected to the department.

20 Churchill Square, West Malling, ME19 4YU
NHS Kent And Medway Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics)?

Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics) currently has about 28 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 15 weeks.

Does Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics) meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 54% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Cora Health Diagnostics (Formerly Healthshare Diagnostics) are currently seen within 18 weeks of GP referral. The NHS constitutional target is 92%.

Can I choose a different hospital if the Ophthalmology (Eye Care) wait is too long?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England can ask their GP to refer them to any hospital that provides NHS care. Use WaitRadar to compare Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting times at other NHS hospitals near you before accepting a referral.

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.