Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

Hammond Optometry ("we", "us", or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us through our website. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable South African privacy laws.

1. Information We Collect

We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when using our website, specifically through our online enquiry and appointment request forms. This information includes:

• Your full name
• Contact details (email address and phone number)
• Any personal health, medical aid, or general information you choose to include in the free-text message field.

We may also collect non-identifiable, automated data regarding your website usage (such as IP addresses and browser types) through standard cookies to ensure our website functions optimally.

2. How We Use Your Information

The information collected via our website is strictly used for the following purposes:

• To process and respond to your appointment requests and general enquiries.
• To contact you via phone, email, or WhatsApp to confirm clinical appointments.
• To communicate practice updates, follow-up care notices, or promotional information regarding our optical services and products.
• To maintain accurate internal administrative records.

Note: You have the right to opt-out of any future promotional communications at any time by contacting the practice directly.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

Hammond Optometry does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We will only share your information with trusted third-party service providers (such as secure web hosting and IT administrators) who require access to operate our digital platforms, or when legally compelled to do so by South African law.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect the personal data submitted through our website from unauthorized access, loss, or alteration. However, please be aware that no data transmission over the internet is entirely secure, and the submission of sensitive medical aid details via our website forms is done at your own risk.

5. Your Rights Under POPIA

In accordance with POPIA, you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Request the correction or deletion of inaccurate or outdated information.
• Object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes.
• Lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator if you believe your data has been mishandled.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact our practice management directly via the contact details provided on this website.