Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Shepton Mallet

Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

8 weeks

That's nearly 2 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet currently has 852 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 8 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). 12 have been waiting over a year. Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet is an Independent Sector provider in the South West region. Waits at this hospital are about 2.7 weeks longer than in August 2025. It's slipped down 38 places in the national league for this department's; now 141 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
7.7weeks
▲ +2.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▼ -9.2 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
852
▲ +378
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
12
▲ +12
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
852
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
12 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
365 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

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

9waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
3waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)

Wait time over time

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

▲ +2.7 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 faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 141st out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 20th out of 41 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.

Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4LP
NHS Somerset 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 Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet?

Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet currently has about 852 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 8 weeks.

Does Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 84% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Practice Plus Group Hospital - Shepton Mallet 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.