Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Department Waiting Times in Harlow

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Updated December 2025

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

11 weeks

That's 2½ months

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the East of England region. There are currently 2,623 people waiting to see an ophthalmologist, with a typical wait of about 2½ months. 74% of patients are seen within the 18-week target.

74 out of 100
patients are seen within 18 weeks
2,623
people on the waiting list
38 weeks
worst case wait time (92nd percentile)
45 people
have been waiting over a year
20 people
have been approved for treatment and are waiting for a date (1% of the list)

Long waiter breakdown

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

43waiting 1–1.25 years (52–65 weeks)
2waiting 1.25–1.5 years (65–78 weeks)

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 200th out of 284 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 27th out of 40 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust?

The current average Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting time at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is about 11 weeks.

How does The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust compare to other hospitals for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

You can compare Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting times across all NHS hospitals on WaitRadar to find shorter waits near you.

Can I choose which hospital I'm referred to?

Yes. Under the NHS Constitution, patients in England have the right to choose which hospital they are referred to for a first outpatient appointment. Discuss your options with your GP.

This is informational data, not medical advice. Always discuss referral options with your GP. Full disclaimer.