NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Portsmouth

Spamedica Portsmouth

Updated April 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

8 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Spamedica Portsmouth currently has 206 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 8 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 Portsmouth is an Independent Sector provider in the South East region. Waits at this hospital are about 5.5 weeks longer than in April 2025. It's slipped down 130 places in the national league for this department's; now 163 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Apr 25Apr 26
Typical wait
8.2weeks
▲ +5.5 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▼ -7.9 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
206
▲ +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
206
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
146 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.

▲ +5.5 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 about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 163rd out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 26th out of 52 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.

Shore House, Portsmouth, PO6 4PR
NHS Hampshire And Isle Of Wight 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 Portsmouth?

Spamedica Portsmouth currently has about 206 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 8 weeks.

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

About 88% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Spamedica Portsmouth 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.