Last updated with NHS England data for August 2026. How we update

NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Leicester

University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust

Updated August 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

9 weeks

That's 2 months

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust currently has 8,823 patients waiting, with a typical wait of around 9 weeks from GP referral. About 8 in 10 Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients here are seen within 18 weeks (the NHS constitutional target is 9 in 10). 10 have been waiting over a year. University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust is an NHS Trust in the Midlands region. Waits at this hospital are about 4.1 weeks shorter than in August 2025. It's moved up 59 places in the national league for this department's; now 187 out of 313 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Aug 25→Aug 26
Typical wait
9.1weeks
▼ -4.1 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
8in 10
▲ +12 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
8.8k
▼ -1.1k
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
10
▼ -20
Been on the list for 12+ months
8 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
8,823
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
30 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
10 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
1,047 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.

▼ -4.1 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 about the same as the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 187th out of 313 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 34th out of 60 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.

Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW
0300 303 1573
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire And Rutland 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 University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust?

University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust currently has about 8,823 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 9 weeks.

Does University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 76% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at University Hospitals Of Leicester 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.