Cataract surgery in North Central London: NHS Wait vs Private Cost
If you need a cataract surgery in North Central London, here's the typical NHS waiting time versus what it costs to go private — updated for 2026.
NHS Wait (North Central London)
26 wks
Typical referral-to-treatment wait for Ophthalmology in this ICB.
Private Self-Pay
£1,000–£2,500
Typical UK self-pay range. Usually treated within 2–3 weeks.
How long is the NHS wait for a cataract surgery in North Central London?
In North Central London, the typical NHS waiting time for ophthalmology procedures such as cataract surgery is around 26 weeks from referral to treatment. Waits vary by hospital within the region and change month to month — and under NHS Right to Choose you can ask to be referred to a faster provider elsewhere in England at no cost.
What does a private cataract surgery cost?
Going private for a cataract surgery in the UK typically costs between £1,000 and £2,500, with an average around £1,500. Self-pay patients are usually seen within 2–3 weeks, compared with the 26-week NHS wait in North Central London — a saving of roughly 23 weeks.
Other procedures in North Central London
Hip replacement in North Central LondonKnee replacement in North Central LondonShoulder replacement in North Central LondonKnee arthroscopy in North Central LondonMeniscus repair in North Central LondonCarpal tunnel release in North Central London
Source: NHS England RTT data (2026) and typical UK self-pay fees. Figures are indicative ranges for guidance only.