privacy policy

​​​​​​​Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Lake Erie Family Eye Care is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, and how it is protected.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact our office.

Information We Collect

When you interact with our office or website, we may collect personal information, including:

• Name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Appointment details

• Information submitted through forms or inquiries
  
  

This information may be collected when you:

• Schedule an appointment

• Contact our office

• Sign up for communications

• Interact with our website
  
  

We may also collect limited technical information automatically when visiting our website, such as cookies, browser type, or device information, to improve website performance and user experience.

How Your Information Is Used

The information we collect may be used to:

• Send appointment reminders

• Provide updates about your care or services

• Respond to questions or requests

• Send office notifications or relevant information related to your eye care

• Improve our services and website experience
  
  

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Mobile information and SMS opt-in consent will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

SMS Communications

If you opt in to receive text messages from Lake Erie Family Eye Care, we may send SMS messages including:

• Appointment reminders

• Office notifications

• Important updates related to your eye care
  
  

SMS Terms

By opting in to receive SMS communications from Lake Erie Family Eye Care, you agree to the following:

Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary depending on your appointments or interactions with our office.

Message & Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier and plan.

Customer Support

For assistance, reply HELP to any message or contact our office directly.

Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. After sending STOP, you will no longer receive SMS messages unless you opt in again.

Carrier Liability

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Data Sharing & Protection

Lake Erie Family Eye Care takes reasonable measures to protect the personal information you provide to us.

Your personal information is used only for communication, patient care, and operational purposes. We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties.

Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

This Notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Legal Duties

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

• Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect
  
  

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

Treatment

We may use and disclose PHI for your treatment and to provide treatment-related health care services.

Payment

We may use and disclose PHI to bill and receive payment from you, an insurance company, or a third party. If you pay out-of-pocket for services and request that information not be disclosed to a health plan, we will comply when permitted by law.

Health Care Operations

We may use and disclose PHI for practice operations that support quality care and office management.

Appointment Reminders & Health Communications

We may contact you to remind you of appointments or provide information about treatment alternatives or health-related services.

Individuals Involved in Your Care

When appropriate, we may share PHI with a family member or another person involved in your care or payment for care, unless you object.

Research

In certain situations, PHI may be used for research subject to approval processes.

Fundraising and Marketing

PHI may be used for fundraising communications, and you may opt out of these communications. Uses or disclosures that involve marketing or sale of PHI require authorization when applicable.

Special Situations

We may disclose PHI when required by law or for purposes including:

• Public health activities

• Health oversight activities

• Legal proceedings

• Law enforcement purposes

• Workers’ compensation

• Organ or tissue donation

• Military or national security activities

• Coroners or medical examiners

• Serious threats to health or safety
  
  

Other Uses

Other uses and disclosures not described in this notice will occur only with your written authorization.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Inspect and copy your PHI

• Request amendments to your records

• Request an accounting of disclosures

• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures

• Request confidential communications

• Receive electronic copies of records when available

• Receive a paper copy of this notice

• Receive notification if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs
  
  

All requests must be submitted in writing.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this notice at any time. The updated notice will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be available in our office.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our office or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Privacy Contact Officer:
Please contact our office.