Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Darlington

County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

12 weeks

That's nearly 3 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust currently has 3,378 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 31 have been waiting over a year. County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North East and Yorkshire region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.9 weeks longer than in August 2025. It's slipped down 62 places in the national league for this department's; now 254 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
11.8weeks
▲ +1.9 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▼ -7.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
3.4k
▲ +854
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
31
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
3,378
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
37 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
31 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
747 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:

28waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
3waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)

Wait time over time

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

▲ +1.9 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 9 weeks. This hospital is slower than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 254th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 47th out of 50 in North East and Yorkshire

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.

Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington, DL3 6HX
01325 380100
NHS North East And North Cumbria 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 County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust?

County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 3,378 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

Does County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 67% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at County Durham And Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 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.