Privacy Policy

Introduction

Yorke Eye Centre is committed to protecting the privacy of all patients, website users, and individuals who interact with our services. We manage personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose personal information, and how you can access or correct your information.

1. What Personal Information We Collect

Yorke Eye Centre only collects information necessary to provide high-quality eye care services and operate our practice. This may include:

• Your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email
• Medical history, eye health records, prescriptions, referral letters, test results
• Medicare, pension, concession, or private health insurance details
• Payment and billing information
• Information submitted through online forms, phone calls, or email
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and website usage analytics

Some of this information is considered sensitive information, particularly health information. We handle such information with strict confidentiality, in accordance with the APPs.

2. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information in several ways, including:

• Through online appointment forms or website enquiries
• During consultations and eye examinations
• Through referrals from optometrists, GPs, or specialists
• Via telephone calls, emails, or in-person conversations
• Through diagnostic testing and imaging equipment
• Via analytics tools when you interact with our website

Whenever reasonable, we collect information directly from you. At times, we may receive relevant information from your referring practitioner or other healthcare providers involved in your care.

3. Why We Collect Personal Information

Your information is collected to allow us to:

• Provide ophthalmic assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care
• Manage appointments, reminders, and follow-up communications
• Process Medicare claims, insurance billing, and payments
• Communicate with referring health professionals
• Maintain accurate clinical records
• Improve our services and website user experience
• Meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations

We do not use your personal information for direct marketing without your explicit consent.

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Referring optometrists, GPs, and other healthcare practitioners
• Hospitals, surgical facilities, and other allied health providers
• Medicare, private health insurers, and billing agents
• IT support providers, secure cloud-storage services, and practice software vendors
• Regulatory bodies where legally required

We will not sell or rent your personal information under any circumstances.

5. Overseas Disclosure

Some secure cloud-based service providers that support our practice may store data on servers located overseas. In such cases, we take reasonable steps to ensure the provider complies with privacy protections consistent with the Australian Privacy Principles.

6. Data Security and Storage

Yorke Eye Centre takes active measures to safeguard your information. These include:

• Encrypted electronic medical record systems
• Secure networks, firewalls, and password protection
• Staff confidentiality agreements and restricted access
• Secure document disposal and data-retention procedures

If a data breach occurs that is likely to cause harm, we will follow the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme and notify affected individuals and the OAIC.

7. Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request corrections if your information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated

Requests can be made using the contact information at the end of this policy. We may need to verify your identity and may charge a reasonable administrative fee for large or complex requests.

8. Website Analytics, Cookies, and Tracking

When you use our website, certain data may be automatically collected, including:

• Pages visited and time spent
• Device type and operating system
• Browser settings and IP address

Cookies may be used to improve website performance and user experience. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, although some features may not work as intended.

9. Complaints About Privacy

If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, please contact us directly. We take privacy concerns seriously and will respond as soon as possible.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

10. Contact Us

For privacy enquiries, corrections, or access requests, please contact:

Yorke Eye Centre
19 Main Street
Minlaton SA 5575
Phone: (08) 7134 0050
Email: info@yorkeeyecentre.com.au

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational or legislative changes. Updates will be published on our website and take effect immediately unless stated otherwise.

Last updated: December 2025