NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) Referral Waiting Times in Wigan

Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Updated February 2026

The typical wait to see an ophthalmologist is

5 weeks

That's just over 1 month

The NHS Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list at Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust currently has 1,466 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). 8 have been waiting over a year. Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust is an NHS Foundation Trust in the North West region. Waits at this hospital are about 1.8 weeks shorter than in February 2025. It's moved up 69 places in the national league for this department's; now 80 out of 298 hospitals.

12-month change

Then vs now for this department at this hospital

Feb 25Feb 26
Typical wait
5.3weeks
▼ -1.8 wks
How long most people wait
Seen in 18 weeks
9in 10
▲ +12.5 pts
NHS aims to see everyone this fast
People waiting
1.5k
▼ -199
On the waiting list right now
Waiting over a year
8
▼ -19
Been on the list for 12+ months
9 in 10
seen within 18 weeks
The NHS tries to treat everyone this fast
1,466
people waiting right now
Currently on this department's list
26 weeks
long-wait time
About 1 in 12 people wait this long or longer
8 people
have waited over a year
Been on the list for 12+ months
384 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.

▼ -1.8 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 faster than the national average.

Hospital ranking

Ranked 80th out of 298 hospitals nationally for this department

Ranked 15th out of 39 in North West

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.

Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, WN1 2NN
01942 244000
NHS Greater Manchester 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 Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust?

Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust currently has about 1,466 patients on its Ophthalmology (Eye Care) waiting list. The typical wait from GP referral to first appointment is around 5 weeks.

Does Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation Trust meet the NHS 18-week target for Ophthalmology (Eye Care)?

About 86% of Ophthalmology (Eye Care) patients at Wrightington, Wigan And Leigh NHS Foundation 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.