Garden City Eye Clinic – Privacy Policy

Purpose



Garden City Eye Clinic is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and other relevant laws and regulations. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal and health information, and how you can access or correct your information.


Collection of Personal Information



We collect personal information to provide you with high-quality healthcare services. This may include: 

  • Your name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
  • Medical history, current health issues, and treatment details.
  • Medicare or health fund details, billing and payment information.


We will always aim to collect information directly from you, unless it is unreasonable or impracticable, such as in emergencies. We may also collect information from other health providers, family members, or carers with your consent. 


Consent 


We will seek your consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information. By attending our practice, you provide consent for us to handle your information for purposes related to your care.


You may withdraw or alter your consent at any time by informing us. Please note, limiting consent may affect the level or type of care we can provide. 


Why We Collect Personal Information 


We collect personal information to:

  • Provide safe and effective medical care. 
  • Support administrative tasks, billing, and Medicare/private health claims.
  • Conduct quality improvement and clinical audits.
  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Support teaching and training where applicable (with de-identification where possible). 


You may request to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym, but this may limit the care we can provide if essential details are not available. 


Use and Disclosure of Personal Information 


Your personal information may be used or disclosed: 

  • To other healthcare providers involved in your care.
  • For administrative purposes, including billing and compliance.
  • Where required by law (e.g., Medicare, Department of Health, court orders).
  • With your consent, to family members or other third parties. 


We will not disclose your information for marketing purposes or to third parties without your explicit consent. 


Confidentiality and Security of Information 


We take reasonable steps to: 

  • Store information securely (both paper and electronic).
  • Protect information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
  • Ensure data is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. 


Personal information will be retained as required by law and securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer needed. 


Access to Your Information 


You may request access to your personal information at any time. Requests must be made in writing and will be reviewed by your treating doctor. Access may be limited in certain circumstances, such as: 

  • If it poses a risk to your health or safety, or to others.
  • If granting access would breach another person’s privacy. 


We may offer you alternative forms of access, such as a supervised review of your record.


There is no charge for making a request, but we may apply reasonable fees for copying or retrieving records. 


Correction of Your Information 


If you believe that any information we hold about you is incorrect, incomplete, or out of date, you may request corrections in writing. We will respond within a reasonable time and make the necessary amendments. 


Children and Confidentiality 


Patients aged 15 years and over may request that their health information is kept confidential. This will be assessed by the treating doctor on a case-by-case basis, taking into account maturity and best interests. 


Complaints 


If you believe your privacy has been breached or you are dissatisfied with how we handled your information, please contact our Practice Manager or your treating doctor.


Complaints should be made in writing where possible, and we will respond within 30 days.


If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the:

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


Contact Us 


For any questions regarding this policy or to make a request, please contact: