Cataract operation waiting times in Rochdale – what you need to know

What are the cataract surgery waiting times in Rochdale?

To keep tabs on the changeable situation around the current cataract operation waiting times in Rochdale and the surrounding areas, the My Planned Care site is an invaluable tool. It’s updated weekly and features waiting times from all the major hospitals and health facilities around England.

(Practice Plus Group is not responsible for and does not control the content displayed on external websites.)

What current waiting times look like in Rochdale

The following table illustrates the current NHS waiting times for ophthalmology treatment in some of the closest NHS hospitals to Rochdale:

If you’re looking to have your cataract surgery privately, the waiting time at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale is 4–6 weeks.

Why are cataract surgery waiting times increasing?

While it’s difficult to definitively say whether cataract surgery waiting times are increasing, it’s true that they remain long. The reasons for this are detailed in the sections below.

The impact of national NHS backlogs on cataract operations

It’s no secret that the COVID pandemic of 2020 created huge backlogs of NHS patients waiting for their treatments. Patients suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses were prioritised over procedures such as cataract surgery and eye treatments. At a time when resources were stretched, the waiting lists for ophthalmology and other non-emergency procedures grew as surgeries were cancelled, and it has only been in recent years that the NHS has started to catch-up.

How ophthalmology demand has changed

Another factor in long NHS cataract surgery waiting times is the UK’s ageing population. With more people living longer and a national birth rate that’s been in decline since the 2010s,¹ the number of people reaching an age at risk of developing cataracts has grown.

How Practice Plus Group supports faster cataract treatment in Rochdale

At Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, we aim to make your journey as smooth and efficient as possible. This is often supported by:

• Clear appointment pathways, so you know what happens next and when
• Dedicated ophthalmology teams, focused specifically on eye care
• High-volume cataract surgery experience, helping services run reliably
• Planned theatre and clinic capacity, to keep treatment moving without unnecessary delays.

More information can be found in our dedicated blog which is full of information about having your cataract surgery sooner.

What to expect from treatment at Practice Plus Group

Most patients can expect:

• A consultation where the consultant confirms the diagnosis and checks eye measurements
• Time to talk through lens options, what surgery involves, and what recovery is like
• A day-case procedure (you go home the same day)
• Aftercare guidance and eye drops, plus clear instructions on what’s normal and what to contact us about.

Patient experiences: real stories from Rochdale

“It has been incredible. Colours are brighter and everything is so much more detailed: it’s like life in HD. I thought my kitchen was cream, but it’s white!”

Nazia Kauser, Staff Nurse at Practice Plus Group

Meet the cataract consultants in Rochdale

At Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, there’s no shortage of eye specialists. All bring their own expertise and specialisms in the different areas of ophthalmic care, and when it comes to cataract surgery they’re ready to help restore your vision.

Who performs cataract operations at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale?

We have a wide range of different cataract surgery specialists at our Rochdale facility, all ready to provide high-quality treatment. Each of our ophthalmic consultants possesses extensive knowledge and expertise about eye care and are able to treat eye conditions beyond cataract surgery.

What patients can expect from their consultant-led care

Consultant-led care means your assessment and treatment plan are guided by an experienced eye surgeon. In practice, this often includes:

• A clear explanation of whether cataract surgery is right for you now, or whether monitoring is better
• Discussion of your day-to-day needs (reading, driving, work, hobbies) so treatment is tailored to you
• A chance to ask questions about risks, benefits, and recovery
• Practical advice on preparing for surgery and what support you may need at home.

Clinical expertise and areas of specialism

During your time with us for cataract surgery, you’re likely to experience the following when it comes to specialisms and clinical expertise:

• high-volume cataract surgery
• monofocal lens expertise
• experience handling complex cataracts
• patient-centred care pathways.

When should you consider seeking faster cataract surgery?

While cataracts develop at different rates depending on the person, there are a number of symptoms and signs that can indicate you have one. These include:

• cloudy or blurred vision
• changes in colour vision
• glare while driving at night
• glare during the day
• glasses prescription changes (increased frequency)
• difficulty in seeing phone or text on television
• double vision or ghosting of images (especially if only noticeable in one eye)
• sensitivity to bright light.

Signs your cataract may be worsening

The tell-tale signs that a cataract is getting worse are similar to those that initially indicate its presence. Vision can become cloudier, colours more faded, and reading becomes increasingly difficult, especially in low light conditions.

How delays can affect daily life and vision

Delaying cataract surgery isn’t ideal as it can have negative effects on your vision and quality of life. As a cataract develops, it causes your vision to become increasingly cloudy. This can make everyday tasks such as driving, reading, recognising faces, and moving around safely -especially in unfamiliar or low-light environments – more difficult.

What is the process for booking cataract surgery at Rochdale Ophthalmology?

Whether you’re accessing your cataract surgery privately or via the NHS, the information below breaks the process down into easy-to-read steps.

Step-by-step guide to referral and booking

If you’re having cataract surgery via the NHS:

Step 1: A cataract may be identified by your optician or GP
Step 2: You’ll receive a referral for an ophthalmology consultation with us
Step 3: During your consultation, your eyes are assessed and if needed, surgery will be planned
Step 4: You’ll be booked in for surgery based on clinical need and local capacity.

If you’re choosing private care:

Step 1: You can self-refer and book a consultation directly
Step 2: If surgery is recommended, you are usually offered a date within a shorter timeframe

What to bring and prepare for

Below is a list that includes some of the things you may find helpful to bring to a consultation:

• a list of current medications you’re taking
• details of any allergies you have
• your most recent pair of glasses (if you have them)
• any relevant letters/results from your optician
• a friend or family member to help process and remember information.

How quickly you can usually be seen

The waiting time for private cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale is just 4–6 weeks after your initial consultation.

Acknowledgements

James Wood, Content Specialist