NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Harlow

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

12 weeks

That's 3 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust currently has 2,446 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 12 weeks from GP referral. About 7 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 52 have been waiting over a year. The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the East of England region. Waits at this hospital are about 0.7 week longer than in February 2025. It's slipped down 36 places in the national league for this department's; now 235 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
12.4weeks
▲ +0.7 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
7in 10
▼ -3.8 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
2.4k
▼ -655
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
52
▼ -62
Been on the list for 12+ months
7 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
2,446
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
39 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
52 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
23 people
waiting for a surgery date
Already been told they need an operation

Long waiter breakdown

Of those waiting over a year, here's how long they've been waiting:

45waiting 1 to 1.25 years (52 to 65 weeks)
5waiting 1.25 to 1.5 years (65 to 78 weeks)
2waiting over 1.5 years (78+ weeks)

Wait time over time

Median wait for this department, with the national average as a dashed line.

▲ +0.7 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 235th out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 30th out of 41 in East of England

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.

Hamstel Road, Harlow, CM20 1QX
01279 444455
NHS Hertfordshire And West Essex 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 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust?

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust currently has about 2,446 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 12 weeks.

Does The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 68% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS 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.