Picture the scene: you’ve just left your initial appointment during which your consultant informed you of the need for eye surgery. It’s likely you’ve got a fair few questions on your mind, not least of all: how to have your cataract surgery sooner.
Join us as we explore the subject of cataracts and ask whether it’s possible to speed up the waiting time to treatment.
How long is the wait for cataract surgery on the NHS vs private?
The answer to this depends on location. For example, the current wait for cataract surgery on the NHS in Chesterfield is around five months. However, according to My Planned Care, ophthalmology treatment at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS takes just over two months.
Patients choosing to have a private cataract operation will likely enjoy much shorter waiting times than their NHS counterparts. At Practice Plus Group, the current cataract surgery waiting list is just four weeks depending on hospital location.
What is the minimum waiting period for cataract surgery?
Currently, the waiting time for cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group is four weeks after your initial appointment. This may vary depending on hospital location.
Is it better to have cataract surgery sooner or later?
It’s definitely a good idea to have your cataract surgery as soon as cataracts begin to affect your quality of life. Leaving cataracts to develop can lead to increased risks and complications during and after surgery which can impact negatively on your quality of life. Your eye health is important. Don’t be tempted to ignore eye problems – seek help from an optician.
Can a cataract be removed too early?
Cataracts develop at different rates depending on the patient. Your optometrist will be able to advise as to the best time for surgery. If you think you’re developing cataracts, don’t hesitate to see your optometrist.
How long can cataract surgery be postponed?
Put simply, the longer you put off cataract surgery, the worse your vision will become. This will likely affect your quality of life as your ability to carry out daily activities like driving and shopping will be affected.
How can I get cataract surgery faster?
When you know you need cataract surgery, reducing the amount of time you’ll have to wait for treatment is likely to be high on your list of priorities. There are a few things you can do to speed up the process:
- Research hospital waiting times – be sure to research the individual hospital waiting times using the NHS e-Referral Service or by checking hospital websites. These are typically updated weekly and provide an effective way of identifying which hospitals offer the shortest waits.
- Choose your hospital – all patients have the choice of where to receive their treatment. Once you’ve chosen the hospital for your treatment, the waiting period starts from when that facility receives your referral letter, or when the first appointment is booked via the NHS e-Referral Service. This means that the sooner you choose where to be treated, the sooner your surgery will be booked. A good track record on waiting times should play an important role in how you make your decision if you want to be treated as soon as possible.
- Go private – patients that choose to pay for their healthcare will more than likely benefit from shorter waiting times. Currently, the estimated waiting time for cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group is four weeks. This may vary depending on the location of the chosen hospital.
Get cataract surgery faster with private healthcare
Booking your cataract surgery at Practice Plus Group is a straightforward process. You’ll be guided by experienced professionals every step of the way. Your comfort and well-being is our absolute priority.
Don’t let cataracts hinder your day-to-day quality of life – take the first step today and book your cataract surgery with Practice Plus Group.
Contact us now to schedule your consultation and embark on a path towards brighter, clearer vision.
Acknowledgements
This article was completed with the help of Mr Barmak Zadeh, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale. His vast experience means he’s routinely involved in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal and macular diseases, cataracts, corneal diseases, keratoconus, and glaucoma. He has over 20 years’ experience in Ophthalmology, during which he has published a number of peer reviewed scientific publications in the medical literature.
Over the last few years Practice Plus Group has grown its Marketing Team to include art workers, campaign and social media managers, content editors, and digital analysts. Together, they provide a responsive and comprehensive service, ensuring all content is on-brand and in-line with relevant medical guidelines.
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