Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Travers Optical Ltd ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or visit our store in Liverpool.

By accessing or using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms, please do not access our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out our contact form or request an appointment
• Register for our eye examination services
• Purchase products or services from us
• Subscribe to our newsletter or marketing communications
• Contact us via email, telephone, or in person
• Participate in surveys, promotions, or competitions

This information may include:

• Name, title, and date of birth
• Contact details (email address, postal address, telephone number)
• Medical and eye health history relevant to your care
• Current and previous prescriptions
• Payment and billing information
• Preferences and interests
• Records of your interactions with us

2.2 Health Data

As opticians, we collect and process special category data including health information about your eyes and vision. This is necessary for us to provide you with appropriate eye care services and is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality.

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Operating system and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation paths
• Referring website or search terms
• Location data (if enabled on your device)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide eye care services: Conducting eye examinations, fitting glasses and contact lenses, and providing ongoing eye health care
• To process transactions: Processing payments, delivering products, and maintaining records of purchases
• To communicate with you: Responding to inquiries, sending appointment reminders, and providing customer support
• To improve our services: Analysing usage patterns to enhance our website and service offerings
• To send marketing communications: With your explicit consent, we may send information about new products, special offers, and eye health tips
• To comply with legal obligations: Meeting regulatory requirements for optical practices and maintaining accurate business records

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Under the General Data Protection Regulation, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Contractual necessity: Processing necessary to provide you with eye care services and products you have requested
• Legal obligation: Compliance with optical regulations, health and safety requirements, and tax/accounting laws
• Legitimate interests: Improving our services, preventing fraud, and ensuring network security
• Consent: Marketing communications and certain health data processing (you may withdraw consent at any time)
• Vital interests: In emergency situations where processing is necessary to protect your life

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Healthcare professionals: With your consent, we may share relevant eye health information with your GP or ophthalmologist
• Service providers: IT support, payment processors, and delivery services who assist in our operations
• Regulatory bodies: General Optical Council, NHS, or other authorities as required by law
• Insurance companies: When processing claims for eye care services (with your consent)
• Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure, password-protected systems with access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
• Secure storage of physical records in locked premises
• Regular backup procedures to prevent data loss

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

• Eye examination records: 10 years (as required by optical regulations)
• Financial and transaction records: 6 years (for tax purposes)
• Marketing preferences and correspondence: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website analytics data: 26 months

8. Your Rights

Under GDPR and applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:

• Right to access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use your data in certain circumstances
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent
• Rights related to automated decision-making: Not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. We will respond to your request within one month.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential cookies: Necessary for website functionality and security
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (Google Analytics)
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., frame manufacturers, eye health resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are available to individuals of all ages, including children under 16. For children under 16, we require parental or guardian consent for certain services. We take special care to protect the privacy of young patients and their families.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. For significant changes, we will notify you via email or prominent notice on our website.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

14. Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues:

Website: www.ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF