Privacy Policy

In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
Last Updated: 10 April 2025

At Davida van der Merwe Optometrist, your privacy and the protection of your personal information are of the utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.

By using this website and/or providing your personal information to our practice, you consent to the practices described in this policy.


1. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information from patients and website users:

  • Full name

  • Contact details (email address, phone number, physical address)

  • ID or passport number (where required for medical aid or legal documentation)

  • Medical history and eye health records

  • Appointment details and consultation notes

  • Payment and billing information

  • Website usage data (via cookies and analytics tools)


2. How We Collect Your Information

Personal information is collected through various secure methods, including:

  • Appointment bookings (online, telephonic or in person)

  • Consultation forms and patient intake documents

  • Contact forms on our website

  • Email or WhatsApp communications

  • Medical aid authorisations

  • Voluntarily submitted information (such as during surveys or promotions)


3. Why We Collect Your Personal Information

We collect your personal data for the following lawful purposes:

  • To provide professional optometric services and manage your treatment plan

  • To contact you regarding appointments, reminders, follow-ups or eye health updates

  • To submit claims to medical aids or insurers (where applicable)

  • To process payments and issue invoices

  • To maintain accurate medical and legal records

  • To improve the user experience on our website

  • To comply with legal and regulatory requirements


4. Consent and Your Rights

By engaging with our practice or submitting your information via our website, you provide explicit consent for us to process your personal information.

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Request correction or deletion of your information

  • Withdraw your consent at any time (unless required by law to retain it)

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if your data rights are violated

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details at the bottom of this policy.


5. Data Storage and Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. These include:

  • Secure filing systems for hard-copy patient files

  • Password-protected digital systems and practice management software

  • Physical security for practice premises

  • Limited internal access to sensitive information

Your data will not be stored longer than necessary, unless required by law or medical practice guidelines.


6. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or distribute your personal information to third parties. We may, however, share information with:

  • Medical aid providers for claims and authorisations

  • Laboratories and suppliers for lens or frame orders

  • Referring or treating specialists (only with your consent)

  • Service providers such as IT support or website hosting (under strict confidentiality)

Any third party we work with is also obligated to comply with POPIA regulations.


7. Cookies and Website Data

Our website may use cookies or tracking technologies to improve your experience. These technologies collect basic usage data such as your browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. You can disable cookies via your browser settings.


8. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be published on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised accordingly.


9. Contact Details

For any queries, requests, or complaints related to your personal information, please contact:

Davida van der Merwe Optometrist
30 Victoria Road, Hutten Heights, Newcastle, 2940
Email: admin@davision.co.za
Phone: +27 (0) 34 312 4602 or 067 226 9213

If unresolved, you may also contact the Information Regulator (South Africa):
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za