Understanding Waiting Times

At CHEC, we know that waiting for treatment can be worrying. We’re here to make the process as clear and reassuring as possible, so you know what to expect every step of the way. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help put your mind at ease.

How long will I wait for my appointment?

We aim to see all patients within 18 weeks of receiving a referral, following national NHS guidance. Your exact waiting time can depend on when we receive your referral and the area you live in, as local waiting times sometimes vary. No matter what, we’re working to get you seen as quickly and safely as possible.

When will I hear about my appointment?

As soon as we receive your referral, our friendly team will be in touch to arrange your appointment. Sometimes you may hear from us very quickly; other times, it might take a little longer depending on how long you’ve already been waiting. Either way, we’ll keep you informed so you’re not left wondering what’s happening next.

Why have waiting times changed recently?

The NHS has introduced a new minimum waiting time threshold to make access to care fairer across different regions and providers. This means that routine referrals are usually seen after at least 16 weeks, unless your Clinician believes you need to be seen sooner for medical reasons.

Do all treatment providers have the same waiting times?

Not always. While the 18-week threshold applies to most NHS providers, individual wait times can vary based on the provider, the type of treatment, and where you live. What’s important is that every provider must aim for the national standard of seeing at least 92% of patients within 18 weeks of referral.

What if I change my mind about where I want my treatment?

You have the legal right to choose where you’re treated. If you’d like to change providers, just speak to your GP, referring Optometrist, local Single Point of Access (SPoA) or Referral Management Centre (RMC). They can help guide you through your options and make sure your referral gets to the right place quickly.

SPoA (Single Point of Access) and RMC (Referral Management Centre) are NHS services that help manage referrals efficiently so you can access care as soon as possible.

You can also check who is available in your area using the NHS “Find Your ICB” tool.

Will NHS hospitals have different waiting times?

No – the new national threshold applies to all NHS providers, including NHS hospitals and independent providers like CHEC. Each region may apply the rules slightly differently, but the overall goal is the same: No patient should wait longer than 18 weeks for treatment.

What if I don’t want to wait up to 18 weeks for my treatment?

If you don’t want to wait for an NHS appointment, you have the option to pay privately for your treatment. We offer private eyecare services through Clarity Healthcare, where you can choose from a wider choice of Consultants, treatments and premium lens options. With self-pay and finance available, it’s never been easier to access private healthcare.

Find out more

What if I’m feeling worried or unsure?

If you ever feel concerned or uncertain, you can:

Contact our friendly Customer Services Team at CHEC:
– Telephone: 0344 264 4160
– Email: customerservices@chec.uk
Speak to your referring GP, Optometrist, SPoA, or RMC
Reach out to your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), who are there to help patients navigate their care

We’re here to support you, answer questions, and make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Will there be a long wait between my first and second eye surgery?

In most cases, we’ll try to keep the wait between your first and second eye surgery as short as possible. Sometimes there may be a small delay based on your clinical needs or local capacity, but we’ll always keep you updated and do everything we can to complete your treatment promptly.