NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Salisbury

New Hall Hospital

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

12 weeks

That's nearly 3 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at New Hall Hospital currently has 233 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 8 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). New Hall Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the South West region. Waits at this hospital are about 6.3 weeks longer than in April 2025. It's slipped down 144 places in the national league for this department's; now 270 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
11.8weeks
▲ +6.3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▼ -14.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
233
▲ +87
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
233
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
20 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
33 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Wait time over time

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

▲ +6.3 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 270th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 38th out of 42 in South West

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.

Bodenham, Salisbury, SP5 4EW
NHS Bath And North East Somerset, Swindon And Wiltshire Integrated Care Board

Patient experiences

People who used this department at this hospital. (1 review)

A
Anonymous
Jun 2026
New Hall Hospital Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

Still waiting and no idea when I will be treated.

Offered an appointment by phone on 27 April for 8 May which I had to decline as I had a Day Surgery appointment at the local hospital to check for cancer on the same day. (This appointment was already outside the anticipated 2 week wait and I waited over a month in the end...ironically this date was brought forward with 12 hour's notice ...so could have attended both appointments.
New Hall booking team vaguely commented that they would be in touch but after another 6 weeks I had to contact them and I believe my name had been removed from the surgery list. I cannot be sure as there is no information forthcoming about what happened or when I may be treated now. I've made a formal complaint but progress is slow as staff contact me then take a days leave My sight was poor anyway without "significant" cataracts in both eyes and it's got worse so daily living tasks (I live on my own) have become extremely difficult to manage. I would prefer it if people were honest...how can someone be called surgery...and still not have a replacement date two months later.? I was put in an impossible position..I am an NHS patient and would hope the clash of appointments showed up whichever hospital was involved. I feel I don't matter....I know I don't cos there will be another NHS funded patient being treated my place and Ramsay will get their fee.

Referred 2026-01-21

Frequently Asked Questions

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

New Hall Hospital currently has about 233 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

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

About 82% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at New Hall 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.

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