NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Swindon

Ridgeway Hospital

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 Ridgeway Hospital currently has 270 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). Ridgeway Hospital is an Independent Sector provider in the South West region. Waits at this hospital are about 5.2 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 62 places in the national league for this department's; now 187 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
10.4weeks
▼ -5.2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▲ +26.7 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
270
▲ +18
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
270
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
21 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.

▼ -5.2 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 188th out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 31st out of 43 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.

Moormead Road, Swindon, SN4 9DD
01793 814848
NHS Bath And North East Somerset, Swindon And Wiltshire 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 Ridgeway Hospital?

Ridgeway Hospital currently has about 270 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 10 weeks.

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

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