Introduction
Avon Eye Care ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or receive care at our practice, located at 49 W Main St, Floor 1, Avon, CT 06001.
By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using our site.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Schedule an appointment through our website or by phone
- Fill out a contact form or order request
- Submit patient intake or registration forms
- Communicate with us via email, phone, or in person
This may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, date of birth, insurance information, and health-related information.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referral sources
- Device information (screen size, device type)
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve our eye care services
- Process appointment requests and contact lens orders
- Communicate with you regarding your care, appointments, and follow-ups
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Analyze website usage to improve user experience
- Send appointment reminders and practice updates (with your consent)
HIPAA Compliance
As a healthcare provider, Avon Eye Care is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We maintain strict safeguards to protect your Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- We use PHI only for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations unless you provide written authorization for other uses
- We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI
- Our staff receives regular training on HIPAA privacy and security practices
- We maintain Business Associate Agreements with all third-party vendors that handle PHI
A separate Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) detailing your rights under HIPAA is available at our office and will be provided to you at your first visit. You may also request a copy at any time.
Disclosure of Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Healthcare operations: With other healthcare providers involved in your care, insurance companies for billing purposes, and laboratories processing your orders
- Service providers: With trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or providing services to you, so long as they agree to keep this information confidential
- Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental regulation
- Safety: To protect the safety of our patients, staff, or the public
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website is designed to minimize cookie use. We use PostHog, a privacy-focused analytics tool, to understand how visitors interact with our site. PostHog is configured to store analytics data in your browser's local storage rather than cookies, so no analytics cookies are set.
The only cookies our site may set are functional session cookies on our appointment booking and contact lens order pages, used by our third-party scheduling provider (ActiveDEMAND) solely to maintain your form session. These cookies are not used for tracking or advertising and expire when you close your browser.
We do not use advertising cookies, cross-site tracking, or third-party analytics cookies such as Google Analytics.
Third-Party Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services (such as appointment scheduling platforms, payment processors, or map services). These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal and health information:
- Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: You may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Restriction: You may request that we restrict certain uses or disclosures of your PHI
- Accounting: You may request an accounting of disclosures of your PHI
- Breach notification: You will be notified in accordance with applicable law if a breach of your unsecured PHI occurs
- Complaint: You have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated
Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 without parental consent. Health information for pediatric patients is managed in accordance with HIPAA regulations and applicable state laws, with parental or guardian involvement as required.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: