NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in London

Hendon Hospital

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

10 weeks

That's just over 2 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Hendon Hospital currently has 159 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 10 weeks from GP referral. About 6 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. Hendon Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the London region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since April 2025. It's slipped down 39 places in the national league for this department's; now 228 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25→Apr 26
Typical wait
9.9weeks
▲ +0.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
6in 10
▼ -6.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
159
▼ -245
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
5
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
6 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
159
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
45 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
29 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.

▲ +0.3 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 228th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 21st out of 27 in London

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.

46-50 Sunny Gardens Road, London, NW4 1RP
020 8457 4500
NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Hendon Hospital?

Hendon Hospital currently has about 159 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 10 weeks.

Does Hendon Hospital meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 65% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Hendon Hospital 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.

Source: NHS England RTT statistics. about our methodology

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