Privacy Policy

Introduction

At Precision Vision by Dr. Matthew Green, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality eye care while safeguarding your privacy and complying with privacy legislation. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information, as well as your rights concerning your personal data.

Our policy informs you:

• That we need your consent to collect information about you,
• Why we need to collect your information,
• How your information will be used by us and to whom we may need to disclose it,
• That you may request access to the information we hold about you,
• That you may discuss any concerns you have about how we handle your information.
• This policy has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000

Consent

We require your consent to collect information about you. By using our services or providing your personal information, you consent to our practices as outlined in this policy.

Purpose of Information Collection

We collect information to offer you the best eye care services possible. This may include details about your visual and refractive status, medical history, and related health information to ensure optimal treatment.

Information Collection

Personal Information: We primarily collect information directly from you, such as your name, contact details, and health information.

Third-party Information: In some cases, we may need to obtain information from your optometrist, general practitioner, or other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care.

Use and Disclosure

Information provided by a patient will be used for the benefit of that patient, in particular to provide them with the highest possible standard of eye care.

In some cases, this may require providing information about the patient to another health care practitioner, for example, when a patient is referred to us for treatment. When this occurs, the patient will be informed that the information is being provided.

Information will be released when we are legally required to do so. In most cases this will require a court to order the release of the information, although information may also be released when we believe that this is necessary to prevent a serious and imminent threat to a person’s life, health or safety, or to public health and safety.

Some information, such as the patient’s identity and the type of consultation provided, may be released in order to allow Medicare benefits to be claimed. Commonwealth legislation also allows records to be inspected by representatives of the Health Insurance Commission in order to investigate whether Medicare benefits have been paid inappropriately.

Data Quality

We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date patient information. If you identify inaccuracies, please inform us, and we will correct the information promptly.

Data Security

We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure. Access to patient records is limited to authorised healthcare providers and practice staff who need access for patient care, billing, and related purposes.

Unauthorised release of personal information is a serious violation of our policy and may result in dismissal.

Openness

This policy document outlines the way this practice collects, handles and releases information about patients and is available to anyone who requests a copy. Patients who wish to find out more about how the Practice manages personal information should discuss this with Precision Vision by Dr Green.

Access and Correction

You have the right to access the information we hold about you. If you believe any information is incorrect, we will amend it as needed. We can also provide a summary of your information upon request, and a reasonable fee may apply.

In some cases, we may refuse to provide access if it poses a serious threat to health, interferes with legal proceedings, or is otherwise illegal.

Identifiers

We use identifiers (e.g., Medicare number or Veterans’ Affairs number) assigned by Commonwealth agencies only for the intended purpose. Such identifiers will not be used for the Practice’s own internal purposes. Your Medicare number will be used solely for claiming Medicare benefits.

Anonymity

Patients may request anonymity if they so desire, however they should be aware that this may lead to them receiving a lower standard of care, due to difficulty in accessing information about their previous condition. Anonymity may also prevent them claiming Medicare benefits.

Trans-border Data Flow

We will not transfer your data to foreign countries without your permission unless adequate data protection (at least the same level of protection as in Australia) is ensured.

Sensitive Information

We will not collect sensitive information without your consent, except when required by law or necessary to provide healthcare services.

‘Sensitive information’ is defined as information about a person’s health, their racial or ethnic origin, their political, religious or philosophical beliefs and affiliations, their membership in professional or trade associations or unions, their sexual preferences or practices, or their criminal record.

Please note that “Precision Vision by Dr. Matthew Green” reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy as needed, with changes posted on our website. Your continued use of our services implies acceptance of any revised policy.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your privacy or this policy, please contact us. We are here to address your needs and provide the highest quality eye care.