CITY EYE CENTRE PRIVACY POLICY
City Eye Centre is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly in accordance with:
- Health Identifiers Act 2010
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012
- Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
- Relevant State and Territory privacy legislation
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information, and how you may access or correct it. The policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required.
Collection of Personal Information
We collect information necessary to provide you with high-quality medical care and to manage our practice.
This may include:
- Name, address, and date of birth
- Contact details
- Health and medical history
- Family history
- Medicare and healthcare identifiers
- Financial details (e.g. billing information)
Information may be stored securely in:
- Paper-based records
- Electronic medical record systems
We collect information:
- Directly from you (preferred method)
- From referring doctors and specialists
- From hospitals, pathology and imaging providers
- From My Health Record (where applicable)
In emergency situations, information may be collected from relatives or carers.
Use and Disclosure of Information
Your personal information is treated as strictly confidential.
We use and disclose your information only for purposes directly related to your care, including:
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical management
- Referrals and correspondence
- Pathology and imaging coordination
We may also disclose information where required or permitted by law, including to:
- Medicare and government agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare providers
- Insurers, courts, or legal representatives
- My Health Record system
We may use de-identified data (including imaging) for:
- Research
- Education
- Teaching
All third parties are required to maintain strict confidentiality.
Data Quality and Security
We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is accurate, complete and up to date.
We protect your information through:
- Secure electronic systems
- Role-based access controls
- Staff confidentiality training
- Physical security of records
Access to Your Information
You have the right to access your medical records. Requests must be made in writing.
We will respond within a reasonable timeframe. There may be a fee for the administrative costs of retrieving and providing you with copies of your medical records.
Access may be declined where permitted by law (e.g. risk to health or safety).
Use of AI
Our practice may use secure, clinician-supervised artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with medical note-taking and documentation during your consultation. These tools may process information discussed in your appointment to help generate clinical records.
All information remains confidential and is handled in accordance with Australian privacy laws. We review and verify all documentation. No decisions about your care are made by AI alone.
Please let us know if you do not consent to this use.
Correction of Information
If your information is incorrect or outdated, please notify us in writing. We will take reasonable steps to correct your records promptly.
Cross-border Transfer of Data
We do not transfer your personal information overseas unless:
- You provide consent
- It is required for your care
- It is required by law
De-identified data may be used internationally for research or education.
Contact
If you have concerns about your privacy, please contact us in writing and we will investigate and respond appropriately.
If unresolved, you may contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992