NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Colchester

Oaks Hospital

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

12 weeks

That's nearly 3 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Oaks Hospital currently has 26 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). Oaks Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the East of England region.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
12.3weeks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▲ +23.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
26
▲ +16
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
26
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
23 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
7 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.

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 231st out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 27th out of 41 in East of England

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.

Oaks Place, Colchester, CO4 5XR
NHS Suffolk And North East Essex 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 Oaks Hospital?

Oaks Hospital currently has about 26 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

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

About 73% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Oaks 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.