Newcastle Eye Centre – Website Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 2025

Newcastle Eye Centre respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and health information. This policy explains how we handle information collected via our website, online forms, email communications and digital services. It complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), Australian Privacy Principles, the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW), and relevant AHPRA guidance.

1. Information We Collect Through Our Website

We may collect the following information when you interact with our website:

Personal Information (voluntarily provided)

Name, contact details and message content submitted through online forms
Appointment requests or enquiries
Information provided when downloading resources, subscribing to updates, or requesting a call-back

Technical & Usage Information (automatically collected)

IP address, browser type and version
Device information
Pages viewed and actions taken on the website
Time, date and duration of your visit
Source of referral (e.g., Google, social media, direct link)

This information is collected using standard web technologies such as cookies, server logs, and analytics tools.

2. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies for the following purposes:

Essential functionality (e.g., navigation, page loading)
Performance tracking (e.g., how users interact with pages)
Security features
Google Analytics or similar tools to understand website traffic and improve user experience
Advertising cookies (if used), such as Google Ads remarketing — although we do not serve personalised medical advertising based on health status

Cookies do not identify you personally. You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies, noting that some website features may not function correctly without them.

3. How We Use Website-Collected Information

Information gathered via the website may be used to:

Respond to your enquiries and appointment requests
Improve website performance and user experience
Monitor site security
Analyse aggregated, non-identifiable website usage data
Provide general practice updates or information if you have opted in (e.g., newsletters)

We do not use website data for targeted advertising based on health conditions.

4. Online Forms, Email & Digital Communications

If you submit information through web forms, appointment requests, or email:

We store your information securely within our patient management systems
Only authorised personnel can access your information
Information is used solely for clinical or administrative purposes related to your enquiry

Because email is not always encrypted, we avoid sending sensitive clinical information by email unless necessary and with your consent.

5. Disclosure of Website Information

We may share information collected via the website only when:

It is required to respond to your enquiry (e.g., contacting you about an appointment)
We refer you to another healthcare provider at your request
It is required by law (e.g., responding to a subpoena)
A third-party IT provider needs access for website hosting, maintenance, or security

We do not sell, trade, or rent any personal information.

6. Storage & Security

Website data is protected using:

Encrypted servers
Secure hosting environments
Restricted staff access
Modern cybersecurity safeguards
Regular system maintenance and updates

If a data breach occurs, we follow the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme.

7. Access & Correction of Your Information

You may request access to, or correction of, personal information collected via our website by contacting:

Practice Manager – Newcastle Eye Centre
Phone: 02 4929 5969
Email: reception@neweye.com.au
Address: 47 Bolton St, Newcastle NSW 2300

We will respond in accordance with Australian privacy law.

8. Privacy Collection Statement (Website & Forms)

When you submit an enquiry or form through our website, Newcastle Eye Centre collects personal information to:

Arrange appointments or contact you regarding your enquiry
Provide ophthalmic services and manage your care
Maintain accurate administrative and clinical records
Meet legal and regulatory requirements

We may collect information directly from you or from your referring practitioner.
Your information will not be shared with third parties except where required for your care, administrative processing, or where authorised by law.

If you choose not to provide certain information, we may be unable to process your request or offer appropriate services.

For more information, please refer to our full Privacy Policy or contact our Practice Manager.

9. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or website functionality. The latest version will always appear on this page.