NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Leicester

Newmedica Leicester

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

10 weeks

That's 2½ months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Newmedica Leicester currently has 877 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 10 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). Newmedica Leicester is an Independent Sector provider in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 8.7 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 177 places in the national league for this department's; now 190 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
10.5weeks
▲ +8.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▼ -18.9 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
877
▲ +658
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
877
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
21 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
389 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.

▲ +8.7 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 190th out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 32nd out of 57 in Midlands

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.

1 Barton Close, Leicester, LE19 1SJ
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire And Rutland 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 Newmedica Leicester?

Newmedica Leicester currently has about 877 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 10 weeks.

Does Newmedica Leicester meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 80% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Newmedica Leicester 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.