Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2026
 
See Side Optical (ABN: 86 148 143 471) is dedicated to safeguarding your personal data. This Privacy Policy details our procedures for gathering, utilizing, maintaining, sharing, and protecting your health and personal details in alignment with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). As a provider of health services, we adhere to these regulations regardless of our business scale. By accessing our site or utilizing our services, you agree to the terms outlined here.
 

1. Who We Are

See Side Optical operates as an independent optometry clinic at Shop 10, 1a King Street, Thirroul NSW 2515. We offer specialized vision care, high-quality eyewear, and related optical products to patients throughout the Illawarra region.
Should you have inquiries regarding these practices, please reach out via the contact information in Section 11.
 

2. What Information We Collect

Personal Information
We collect several categories of personal data:

Legal name, date of birth, and gender


Contact details such as physical address, phone, and email


Health insurance provider details and membership numbers


Emergency contact names and numbers


Securely managed billing information (refer to Section 8)
 

Health Information
As care providers, we must collect sensitive health data, including:

Ocular and comprehensive medical histories


Vision testing metrics and current prescriptions


Imaging results and diagnostic reports


Current medications impacting eye health


Genetic markers or family history related to vision
 

Website and Online Information
During site visits, we may automatically gather:

IP addresses and browser specifications


Browsing duration and specific pages accessed


Details provided through digital booking or contact forms


E-commerce records including shipping and order history


Analytics data and cookie information (refer to Section 9)
 

3. How We Collect Information

We gather data through several channels:

Provided directly by you during registration, online booking, or history forms


Through interactions via phone, email, or our digital platforms


When processing transactions either in-store or online


Shared by your health fund for billing and claims


Received from other medical specialists with your authorization


Automatically via site cookies and tracking software

We prioritize direct collection. If we obtain data from external sources, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you.
 

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We utilize your health and personal data to:

Deliver optometry services and specialized clinical care


Coordinate patient appointments and maintain records


Facilitate HICAPS health fund claims


Manage your eyewear and product orders


Notify you regarding test results or clinical updates


Issue appointment reminders (which you can opt out of)


Refer you to appropriate medical specialists


Meet all legal and professional regulatory requirements


Enhance our digital services and patient experience

Your data will only be used for the purposes stated above unless your consent is provided for other uses.
 

5. Who We Share Your Information With

Disclosure occurs only when necessary, involving the following parties:
Health Professionals
Clinical data may be shared with your GP or ophthalmologists to ensure continuity of care, always following your explicit consent.
Health Fund Providers
We relay necessary claim data to your health insurance via HICAPS to facilitate rebates for services and products.
Optical Laboratories
Specific prescription requirements are shared with manufacturing labs to create your custom lenses and eyewear under strict confidentiality.
Service Providers
We partner with essential businesses for practice management, Wix hosting, and payment gateways. These partners must comply with Australian privacy standards.
Legal Requirements
Information may be disclosed if required by law, such as to AHPRA, Medicare, or under court orders.
We never sell or trade patient data for third-party marketing initiatives.
 

6. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We maintain rigorous standards for data security, including:

Encrypted, password-protected clinical software systems


Access control protocols for staff on a role-basis


Secure on-site filing for physical documentation


SSL-certified web encryption for all online interactions


Safe payment gateways that do not retain full card details


Ongoing privacy compliance training for our team

Clinical folders are stored for at least 7 years post-service (or until age 25 for minors). When data is no longer needed, it is destroyed securely.
 

7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You maintain the right to view the personal and health data we hold and to request updates for any inaccuracies. Please contact our Privacy Officer (Section 11) for such requests. We aim to respond within 30 days. Exceptions may apply if access would infringe on others' privacy or legal restrictions exist. While requesting access is free, a small fee may apply for physical copies.
 

8. Online Payments

Our web shop, powered by Wix, uses industry-leading processors to manage transactions. Sensitive financial details are not stored on our local systems. All payment processing follows PCI DSS encryption standards. We only retain order details needed for shipping and business records.
 

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our site utilizes cookies to enhance functionality and analyze traffic patterns via tools like Google Analytics. This remains anonymous and does not identify individuals. You may manage these via browser settings, though site performance may vary. Using our site implies agreement with this cookie usage.
 

10. Making a Privacy Complaint

Please contact us first regarding any privacy concerns so we may address them promptly within 30 days. If unsatisfied, you may contact the OAIC:

Web: www.oaic.gov.au


Phone: 1300 363 992


Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001

For health-specific complaints in NSW, visit the HCCC at www.hccc.nsw.gov.au.
 

11. Contact Us

For privacy inquiries or data requests, contact:
See Side Optical — Privacy Officer
📍 Shop 10, 1a King Street, Thirroul NSW 2515
📞 (02) 4268 3933
✉️ info@seesideoptical.com.au
🌐 seesideopticalthirroul.com.au
 

12. Changes to This Policy

We update this policy periodically to reflect current laws. Revised versions will be posted here with a new update date. Continued engagement with our clinic signifies your acceptance of these updates.