How Long Is The Nhs Waiting List For Eye Surgery?

Currently, it seems the average waiting time can be anything from 10 weeks to four years.

How long is acceptable to wait for a cataract surgery on NHS?

Patients who received cataract surgery in 2021 had waited an average of nine months or more. The longest waiting time, reported by King’s College Hospital, was 94 weeks, while the shortest waiting time, at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, was 10 weeks.

How long is waiting list for cataract surgery?

The waiting list time (WLT) ranged from 2 to 25 months for first eyes (median 9 months, mean 10 months) and 1 week to 18 months (median 13 months, mean 10 months) for second eyes.

How can I speed up my NHS waiting list?

Chose a provider abroad to get your NHS surgery quicker
You can do this by checking NHS hospital websites – many update their waiting times at least weekly. Private hospitals can provide treatment within 1-2 weeks from initial contact or once you obtained NHS permission to receive refunded private treatment abroad.

How long does it take to get an operation on the NHS?

The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter. However, your right to an 18-week waiting time does not apply if: you choose to wait longer.

How long is the NHS waiting list for cataract surgery 2022?

Currently, it seems the average waiting time can be anything from 10 weeks to four years. This depends on your location and how you’re accessing healthcare.

When is cataract surgery urgent?

Cataract surgery is not an emergency surgery, but is definitely required: You may consider going in for cataract surgery when your cataract causes problems in carrying out your daily activities. Cataract surgery is usually not an emergency surgery and you can take your time to make your decision.

Is private cataract surgery better than NHS?

However, if you seek private cataract surgery, you can expect some key differences. The most significant difference is that we can correct your vision so that you no longer need glasses after surgery. The job of the NHS is not to correct your eyesight; it is to remove your cataracts and give you a lens implant.

What is the NHS criteria for cataract surgery?

Surgery is usually offered on the NHS if your cataracts are affecting your eyesight and quality of life. The decision to have surgery should not be based solely on your eye test (visual acuity) results.

What happens if you wait too long for cataract surgery?

Eye doctors recommend having cataract surgery before your cataracts start seriously affecting your vision. If you wait too long, your cataracts can become “hyper-mature”, which makes them more difficult to remove, and can cause surgery complications.

What is the maximum waiting time for NHS?

In such cases you are deemed to have chosen to wait longer than 18-weeks. By choosing to wait longer than 18-weeks you give up your right to treatment by an alternative provider.

What is the two week rule NHS?

The Two-Week Wait appointment system was introduced so that anyone with symptoms that might indicate cancer could be seen by a specialist as quickly as possible. Attending this appointment within two weeks is vitally important and will allow you to benefit from: Early reassurance that cancer has not been diagnosed or.

Can I sue NHS for waiting times?

Can you sue the NHS for a delay in treatment? Yes, if NHS care falls below medically acceptable standards, you may be able to make a claim for delayed treatment compensation. Some people are anxious about suing the NHS because of the vital role it plays in providing free healthcare.

How quickly is surgery scheduled?

The process of receiving approval for surgery from an insurance carrier can take from 1-30 days depending on the insurance carrier.

What procedures are no longer available on NHS?

Tonsillectomy. Haemorrhoid surgery. Hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding. Removal of lesions on eyelids.
Four procedures will only be offered at the request of a patient:

  • Snoring surgery.
  • Dilation and curettage for heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Knee arthroscopies for osteoarthritis.
  • Injections for non-specific back pain.

How long does it take to book a surgery after consultation?

On average the wait will vary from 2-6 months.

Can you wait a month between cataract surgeries?

How long should I wait between my first and second eye cataract surgeries ? We normally allow about two weeks between doing a cataract/IOL procedure on the first and second eyes. It is quite unlikely (but not impossible) that there could be a problem not discovered in that length of time.

How much does it cost to have cataract surgery privately UK?

If you don’t qualify for free cataract surgery on the NHS, the cost of cataract surgery in the UK ranges between around to £1,995 – £3,150 for standard monofocal lenses and £3,495-£4,100 for multifocal lenses.

How much does the NHS pay for cataract surgery?

Most people will qualify for free cataract surgery on the NHS(1).

Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?

Although it’s never too late to have a cataract removed, it is better to have cataracts removed while they are immature, as this reduces the length of surgery and the recovery time. Earlier removal also means that you avoid the significant visual impairment associated with very mature (hypermature) cataracts.

Which eye is first for cataract surgery?

The patient is best served by you giving the best visual outcome and that often means operating on the eye with better visual potential, lower risks, and a smoother procedure. In this case, I did surgery on the virgin right eye first. I was careful to give the surgeon who did the other eye the benefit of the doubt.