Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Department Waiting Times in Oxford

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Updated December 2025

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

16 weeks

That's nearly 4 months

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the South East region. There are currently 5,038 people waiting to see an ophthalmologist, with a typical wait of about nearly 4 months. 55% of patients are seen within the 18-week target.

55 out of 100
patients are seen within 18 weeks
5,038
people on the waiting list
44 weeks
worst case wait time (92nd percentile)
193 people
have been waiting over a year
2,204 people
have been approved for treatment and are waiting for a date (44% of the list)

Long waiter breakdown

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

184waiting 1–1.25 years (52–65 weeks)
9waiting 1.25–1.5 years (65–78 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 274th out of 284 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 43rd out of 44 in South East

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.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU
0300 304 7777
NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire And Berkshire West Integrated Care Board

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?

The current average Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is about 16 weeks.

How does Oxford University Hospitals 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.