They all spoke to me calmly and explained what would be happening. They were amazing.
Sarah’s story
DORA
Referral management process for cataract surgery
What is DORA
The NHS have introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) conversational agent to handle cataract surgery appointments. After your optometrist refers you for NHS cataract surgery, you will be contacted by DORA to help arrange an appointment at your preferred choice of hospital such as Newmedica.
How does DORA work?
Your referral. First, you’ll receive an SMS text message. This will give you the date and time that Dora, the NHS’s automated telephone service, will call you. This will normally be within two weeks of your referral by your optician or GP.
A call from Dora. Dora will call you at your scheduled time to ask you some questions. The call won’t take long. You’ll be asked about your medical history, which Dora will use to suggest a few hospitals for your treatment.
Call Dora early. Instead of waiting, you can call Dora 48 hours ahead of your scheduled call, using the number on the SMS text message Dora sends you. Remember to make your call using the phone number you gave your optician.
Making your choice. Remember, you’ve the right to choose who provides your treatment. If you’d like Newmedica to provide your care, but we’re not mentioned initially, you can either ask for more options or interrupt the call by saying ‘I’d like to choose Newmedica’. Dora will then send your referral to us.
Your appointment is scheduled. If you’ve been referred to Newmedica for your cataract treatment, you’ll receive an appointment slot with us which will be visible to Dora. This appointment is usually within two weeks of receiving your referral from Dora.
Your treatment. After your initial assessment you’ll then be booked in for your NHS-funded treatment with us, at no cost to you.
Please note, with DORA, you have the right to choose which provider you would like to be seen by.
Where is DORA offered?
DORA is currently in use from both our Hampshire and Oxfordshire clinics. If you would like to speak to our clinics in these areas about DORA and how you get referred to Newmedica, please contact them directly.
Newmedica Hampshire
Our Hampshire clinic offesr services across multiple regions, so please note if you live in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, you will be required to use DORA for ophthalmology services.
Newmedica Oxford
Our Oxford clinic offers services across multiple regions, so please note if you live in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, you will be required to use DORA for ophthalmology services
DORA will require your medical history
During the call you’ll be asked some questions about your medical history, which Dora will use to provide the most relevant providers for your care needs. Please note, this requirment is set by the NHS and not Newmedica.
To help with the call, we have laid out what questions questions you’ll be asked with information to help you answer them.
Additional questions you’ll be asked
Are you being seen or treated for any other eye conditions?
Have you received intraocular injections in the last six months?
Have you had a heart attack, stroke or stent in the past three months?
Are you okay with local anaesthetic and wearing a face covering?
5 reasons why Newmedica are the right choice for your eye care
Our clinics are run by the very consultants who treat you, meaning your care is in the hands of those personally invested in you. To our team, you’re never just a patient. We take the time to understand what matters most to you, ensuring a tailored, seamless experience that leads to genuinely improved results.
We provide personalised eye care that puts your comfort first. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be warmly welcomed and supported every step of the way - whether you need reassurance, a calming hand to hold, or simply someone to guide you throughout your journey with us.
Our short waiting times mean you’ll have your first appointment within a couple of weeks.
We choose to use the highest-quality lenses which means you’ll get the best clinical outcomes, including some that can reduce your dependence on glasses. Importantly, we’ll always give you a choice and explain the options.
State-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment, and free parking ensure you can focus on you and your eye health when you come to visit us.
Patient stories
I can’t fault the service at Newmedica. It was amazing. Everyone was so helpful, the surgery was so quick and efficient.
Joan’s story
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‘I love cooking, and now I can actually see what I’m doing in the kitchen again. Suddenly I’m able to cook my older recipes with the family.
Karen’s story
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I had a first-class experience and can’t praise the team enough. I have worn glasses for a long time but my sight is so clear and sharp.
Allen’s story
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