NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in London

Spamedica Dalston

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

6 weeks

That's just over 1 month

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Spamedica Dalston currently has 359 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 6 weeks from GP referral. About 9 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). Spamedica Dalston is an Independent Sector provider in the London region. Waits at this hospital are about 2 weeks longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 1 place in the national league for this department's; now 91 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
5.6weeks
▲ +2 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▼ -5.1 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
359
▲ +136
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
0
No change
Been on the list for 12+ months
9 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
359
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
20 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
153 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.

▲ +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 faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 91st out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 6th out of 27 in London

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.

Playle House, London, N1 4BZ
NHS North East London 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 Spamedica Dalston?

Spamedica Dalston currently has about 359 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 6 weeks.

Does Spamedica Dalston meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 89% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Spamedica Dalston 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.