Introducing NORA, your Neuro‑Ophthalmology Virtual Assistant
Welcome to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Neuro-ophthalmology evaluations are highly specialized and require a thorough review of your medical history. To better prepare for your visit, you will receive a text message inviting you to call a virtual assistant before your appointment.
This call is completed with NORA, a neuro-ophthalmology-trained virtual assistant, who will gather information about your symptoms before your visit. The call will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
What Is NORA?
NORA, your Neuro‑Ophthalmology Virtual Assistant, is a digital assistant designed to help collect important details about your symptoms and medical history before your appointment. During your conversation with NORA, she will ask you similar questions to the ones your doctor would normally ask during your visit. Your responses will help your doctor better understand your concerns in advance, allowing more time for discussion and care during your in-person appointment.
How Does It Work?
- You will receive a text message from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a phone number to call before your visit.
- Before calling the virtual assistant, make a detailed list of your symptoms (double vision, vision loss, headaches, etc.), and how long you have had them. We also request that you make a detailed list of your medications and dosage.
- You call the number at a time that’s convenient for you. Most calls take about 15-20 minutes.
- You speak naturally with NORA, answering her questions at your own pace about your symptoms and concerns.
- NORA will securely create and send a summary of your call to your doctor, allowing your doctor to review your information before your appointment.
This process helps ensure that during your in-person visit, your doctor is focused on listening, evaluation, and care, rather than documentation.
Why Are We Using This Tool?
By gathering information ahead of time, your doctor can:
- Spend more time listening and addressing your concerns.
- Review your history more thoroughly before you arrive.
- Focus on diagnosis and treatment rather than typing notes.
Our goal is to make your visit more personal, efficient, and centered on you.
Is This Safe and Secure?
Yes. Protecting your privacy is important to us.
- NORA is designed specifically for healthcare use and follows strict privacy and security standards.
- Information you share is used only to support your medical care. Your doctor reviews and confirms all information with you during your visit.
- NORA does not provide medical advice or make medical decisions.
- If your call is interrupted, you may call back at any time to continue.
Participation is optional. If you prefer not to complete the call, you may always provide this information directly to your doctor during your appointment.