NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Reading

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

10 weeks

That's just over 2 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust currently has 4,787 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). 2 have been waiting over a year. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the South East region. Waits at this hospital haven't really changed since February 2025. It's moved up 2 places in the national league for this department's; now 178 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
10weeks
No change
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
No change
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
4.8k
▼ -1.6k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
2
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
4,787
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
25 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
2 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
383 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.

No change

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 178th out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 31st out of 47 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.

Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, RG1 5AN
0118 322 5111
NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire And Berkshire West 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 Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust?

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 4,787 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 10 weeks.

Does Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 81% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust 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.