Waiting For Cataract Surgery

[smurfchops]

As there seems to be a long NHS waiting list, I am a bit worried that it could get to the stage that my eye will be so bad that the operation won't make any difference?  Could this happen?  I have had a cataract operation already in one eye thankfully, the sight in that eye is good.  

[Atheist]

Probably the operation will improve your other eye.

[Atheist]

Best to go for it ASAP.

[Buenchico]

From the RNIB website:
"Please be reassured that a delay in surgery for cataracts does not put your sight at risk permanently. Cataracts do not cause permanent loss of vision and a delay of several months would not mean you are at a higher risk of complications or that the result will not be as good as it would have been."

https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/eye-conditions-az/cataracts/advice-for-people-who-are-waiting-for-cataract-surgery/

[Barsel]

When did you have the 1st one done smurf and do you know how long you will have to wait for the second one?

[douglas9401]

Anything up to a year we were told recently.

[-SharonA-]

Mine was done within 6 months.

[douglas9401]

I should maybe add that the appointment letter for an assessment landed today, less than a week after the last appointment.

[smurfchops]

Last one done around 10 years ago, didn't think of asking how long the waiting list was for this one.  Hopefully soon.  Thanks all x

[Buenchico]

You can check on the average waiting times for opthalmology at hospitals in your area by using the postcode search facility here:
https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/find-my-hospital/postcode-search/

For example, I see that the wait for a first opthalmology outpatient  appointment at my nearest large hospital is typically 12 weeks, with then a further 16 week wait for treatment. 

However there are two 'Newmedica' centres locally, which both offer much quicker treatment.  Newmedica provides services to the NHS, so (if there's a suitable facility in your area) you might want to press for threatment throuh them (rather than from your local general hospital):
https://www.newmedica.co.uk/nhs-patients

 

[Barsel]

Hope you don't have to wait too long smurf, good luck.

[Barsel]

Chris thanks for the link. I've been able to find out there is a 31-week wait for Dermatology in my area, even though my GP thinks I have a BCC on the side of my face!

[Captain2]

Don't know if this will help, but, I went via Specsavers after an eye test. They referred me through a private company, Optegra, working hand in hand with the NHS.

Had the first eye done within 3 weeks of referral and second eye within 3 months. Can thoroughly recomend them.

Worth going to Specsavers?

[Barsel]

Captain, a friend of mine did the same.

[Captain2]

I hope their treatment was as successful, Barsel. I couldn't fault the time line and service.

[smurfchops]

Thanks Chris,mit says 12 weeks so not bad, thanks for all your help... aye aye !

[jourdain2]

Your 2nd eye op will also be good, don't worry about that.  I was fortunate in that Ineeded mine done during lockdown - people were cancelling through fear of going into hospital and catching Covid.  Result?  I had both mine done within 3 months on the NHS. Brill.!  😃

[jazzyjen]

Hubby has been waiting 5 months. Last week he got a text asking if he still wanted to be on the list or could be taken off because they have a backlog due to strikes by medical staff over summer.

[woodcote1]

Have you got a Spa Medica near you? Can be done on the NHS and ours is extemely good. Very short waiting times.