NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Derby

Spamedica Derby

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

5 weeks

That's 1 month

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Spamedica Derby currently has 540 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 5 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 Derby is an Independent Sector provider in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 3 weeks longer than in April 2025. It's slipped down 37 places in the national league for this department's; now 45 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
5weeks
▲ +3 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▼ -1.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
540
▲ +362
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
540
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
12 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
389 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.

▲ +3 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 8 weeks. This hospital is faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 45th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 1st out of 62 in Midlands

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.

Quarnmill House, Derby, DE21 4XF
NHS Derby And Derbyshire 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 Derby?

Spamedica Derby currently has about 540 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 5 weeks.

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

About 95% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Spamedica Derby 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.