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Leeds · NHS waiting times · 2026
NHS cataract surgery waiting list in Leeds
Quick answer
NHS cataract surgery waiting times for Leeds patients currently run to 12–18 months or longer from GP referral to operation, via Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Privately, Mr Mohamed Mohyudin (GMC 7039600) typically sees Leeds patients within 1–2 weeks at Spire Elland Hospital and performs cataract surgery within 4–6 weeks at Spire Elland Hospital (about 25 minutes via the M62 (Junction 24) from Leeds), from £3,000 per eye. No GP referral is required for self-pay.
How the NHS cataract pathway works in Leeds
- 1Optician or GP visit. Cataract is confirmed and a referral is made via the NHS e-Referral Service.
- 2Hospital triage. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust assigns urgency; routine cases join the elective ophthalmology queue.
- 3Pre-assessment. Biometry and health checks, often months after the original referral.
- 4Surgery. For routine cases in Leeds, this is currently typically 12–18 months or longer from first referral.
Prefer not to wait? Private cataract surgery with Mr Mohyudin starts from £3,000 per eye. Regional overview: NHS cataract waits across Yorkshire →
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| NHS (Leeds) | Private with Mr Mohyudin | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait to surgery | 12–18 months+ | Typically 4–6 weeks |
| GP referral | Required | Not required (self-pay) |
| Surgeon | Assigned | Mr Mohyudin throughout |
| Cost | Free at point of care | From £3,000/eye · see prices |
What patients tell Mr Mohyudin
★ 4.97 · 52+ reviews on Doctify · as of July 2026
Mr Mohyudin explained everything clearly before my cataract surgery. I was nervous, but he put me at ease, and my vision is sharper than it has been in years.
FAQs: NHS cataract waiting list in Leeds
How long is the NHS waiting list for cataract surgery in Leeds?
NHS cataract surgery waiting times in Leeds currently average 12–18 months or longer from GP referral to operation. Your local provider is Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Waits vary by clinical urgency and clinic capacity; routine cataract referrals are treated as non-urgent elective care.
Why are NHS cataract waits so long in Leeds?
Ophthalmology has one of the longest NHS waiting lists in England. Factors include the post-pandemic backlog, workforce constraints, and rising demand as the population ages. Leeds Teaching Hospitals and neighbouring West Yorkshire trusts have publicly reported extended RTT times for routine cataract surgery.
Can I get private cataract surgery instead of waiting on the NHS in Leeds?
Yes. Mr Mohamed Mohyudin offers consultant-led private cataract surgery at Spire Elland Hospital for Leeds patients, typically within 4–6 weeks of first contact. Self-pay packages start from £3,000 per eye (all-inclusive). Full pricing: /private-cataract-surgery-cost-leeds/.
Do I need a GP referral for NHS cataract surgery in Leeds?
Yes. NHS cataract surgery requires a GP or optometrist referral via the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) to Leeds Teaching Hospitals. You cannot self-refer on the NHS pathway. For private surgery with Mr Mohyudin, no GP referral is needed for self-pay patients; book via Spire Elland Hospital on 01422 324000.
What happens while I wait for NHS cataract surgery in Leeds?
Untreated cataracts usually cause progressive blurring, glare and reduced independence, which can affect driving, reading and fall risk. While waiting, keep your optician updated, use updated glasses if prescribed, and report sudden vision changes urgently. If the wait is affecting your quality of life, private surgery is an option: /private-cataract-surgery-cost-leeds/.
How quickly can Leeds patients get private cataract surgery?
Private consultations with Mr Mohyudin are typically available within 1–2 weeks at Spire Elland Hospital. Surgery at Spire Elland Hospital is usually arranged within 4–6 weeks of your first appointment (about 25 minutes via the M62 (Junction 24) from Leeds). Call 01422 324000 or request a callback via /contact/.