Cataract referral

So, you’ve had your eye test and your optometrist has confirmed you have cataracts. The next step is a referral for surgery, and if you’re a patient in West Yorkshire, you may be wondering how that process works.

We’re here to explain it. The system for how we send cataract referrals in West Yorkshire has changed. It’s designed to give you more control and information, and our virtual optician, Iris, has helped us lay out the simple steps.

Here’s a clear guide to what you can expect.

The "Single Point of Access": What’s Changed?

In the past, your referral might have been sent to one specific hospital. Now, all referrals from optometrists are sent into one central system called a "single point of access".
The biggest change? You will be contacted directly to choose where you want to go for your surgery.
This new process puts you in the driver's seat, but you're not alone. You can still talk to your optometrist at Premier Vision about your options, and we'll be happy to give you our advice to help you make your choice.

How the Referral Process Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once we send your referral to the central system, here is what will happen next.

Step 1: Contact via Text or Email

You will first be contacted via a text message or email.
The text message will appear as "from the NHS".
To use the text service, you will need a smartphone.
To use the email service, you can use a computer, tablet, or laptop.

Step 2: Automated Phone Call (If No Response)

We know not everyone finds text or email easy to use. If you are unable to interact with the first message, don't worry. After 48 hours, you will be contacted by telephone instead. This will be an automated call that takes you through the exact same questions and information as the digital link.

Step 3: A Letter in the Post (If Still No Response)
If you are unable to interact by text or phone, the system has another backup. The portal will send you a letter in the post. This letter will contain: - A website link you can type into a computer. - A telephone number you can call to speak to a person who will help you choose your provider.
There is also a general phone number you can call if you need further help at any stage.

Making Your Choice: The Information You'll See

When you click the link in your message or visit the website from your letter, you'll be taken to a webpage.
You will first be asked a series of questions. After that, you will see all the different surgery providers you can choose from. To help you make an informed decision, the portal will show you: - Waiting times for each provider - Distance from your house - NHS patient satisfaction scores

What Happens After You Choose?

Once you have selected your preferred provider on the website, one of two things will happen:
You may be offered the chance to book your first appointment right there on the website.
The provider you chose will contact you directly to arrange the next steps.

We're Still Here to Help

This new system is designed to give you all the information you need, but we're still your first point of contact for any eye health advice.

If you have any questions about your referral or need help deciding on a provider, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our teams at our Bradford, Heckmondwike, or Leeds practices. You can also find more information on our website