Privacy in your hands

By Ashleigh McMillan
Journalist

Optometry Australia is one of more than 100 organisations that will promote Privacy Awareness Week on 15-21 May.

The 2016 theme is ‘Privacy in your hands’, reinforcing the message that individuals must be proactive in understanding the rights and responsibilities of handling personal information.

Optometry Australia’s policy and advocacy advisor Tin Nguyen said the partnership demonstrated the organisation’s dedication to securing patient information.

‘Optometry Australia sees privacy as critical to running a good practice, so Privacy Awareness Week is a good reminder to review your existing privacy mechanisms and amend them as necessary,’ he said.

‘Optometry practices store sensitive information like patient records and financial details, so it is important for practitioners to be mindful of their privacy obligations when protecting information.’

Privacy Awareness Week is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

The Privacy Awareness Week website hosts resources for individuals and practices, including printable posters, tips for online safety and videos.

Optometry Australia also has privacy resources relating to how optometrists can protect patient information.