Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Department Waiting Times in London

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Updated December 2025

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

13 weeks

That's 3 months

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the London region. There are currently 12,086 people waiting to see an ophthalmologist, with a typical wait of about 3 months. 63% of patients are seen within the 18-week target.

63 out of 100
patients are seen within 18 weeks
12,086
people on the waiting list
41 weeks
worst case wait time (92nd percentile)
205 people
have been waiting over a year
4,664 people
have been approved for treatment and are waiting for a date (39% of the list)

Long waiter breakdown

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

193waiting 1–1.25 years (52–65 weeks)
10waiting 1.25–1.5 years (65–78 weeks)
2waiting over 1.5 years (78+ weeks)

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 241st out of 284 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 24th out of 26 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.

Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
020 3299 9000
NHS South East London Integrated Care Board

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust?

The current average Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is about 13 weeks.

How does King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust compare to other hospitals for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

You can compare Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting times across all NHS hospitals on WaitRadar to find shorter waits near you.

Can I choose which hospital I'm referred to?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. Discuss your options with your GP.

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