Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: October 2, 2026
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
OPT-ISM Eye Care is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information.
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information, also called PHI, and explains your rights regarding that information.
Our Responsibilities
OPT-ISM Eye Care is required by law to:
Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information
Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
Follow the privacy practices described in the current notice
Notify affected individuals following certain breaches of unsecured protected health information
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
Treatment
We may use or disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare.
For example, we may share information with:
Other optometrists
Ophthalmologists
Primary care physicians
Surgeons
Pharmacies
Laboratories
Other healthcare providers involved in your care
Payment
We may use or disclose your health information to obtain payment for services.
For example, we may provide information to your health insurance or vision insurance company to determine eligibility, submit claims, obtain authorization, or process payment.
Healthcare Operations
We may use your health information for activities necessary to operate our practice.
These activities may include:
Quality improvement
Staff training
Compliance activities
Business management
Auditing
Credentialing
Patient service improvement
Appointment Reminders and Communications
We may use your contact information to communicate with you regarding:
Appointment reminders
Follow-up care
Prescription information
Contact lens orders
Eyewear orders
Treatment recommendations
Office updates
Other healthcare-related communications
Communications may occur by telephone, voicemail, email, text message, mail, or secure electronic systems when appropriate.
Individuals Involved in Your Care
Unless you object, we may share relevant health information with a family member, caregiver, or other person involved in your care or payment for your care when permitted by law.
We will use professional judgment to determine whether disclosure is appropriate.
Business Associates
OPT-ISM Eye Care may work with third-party companies that perform services involving protected health information.
Examples may include:
Electronic health record providers
Billing services
Cloud software providers
Secure communication platforms
Data storage companies
Practice management systems
These companies may be considered business associates under HIPAA and are generally required to protect your information according to applicable law and contractual requirements.
Uses and Disclosures Required or Permitted by Law
We may use or disclose health information without your written authorization when permitted or required by law.
Examples may include:
Public health activities
Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
Health oversight activities
Legal proceedings
Law enforcement requestsWorkers' compensation matters
Certain research activities
Preventing or reducing a serious threat to health or safety
Compliance with federal or state law
Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization
Certain uses and disclosures of protected health information require your written authorization.
If you authorize us to use or disclose your health information, you may generally revoke that authorization in writing at any time, except when action has already been taken based on your authorization.
Your Rights
You have certain rights regarding your protected health information.
Right to Inspect and Obtain Copies
You may request access to or copies of your medical records and other health information maintained by OPT-ISM Eye Care.
Certain limitations may apply.
Fees may be charged when permitted by law.
Right to Request Corrections
If you believe information in your medical record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.
We may deny the request under certain circumstances, but you may have the right to submit a written statement of disagreement.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information.
We are not required to agree to every requested restriction.
In certain circumstances involving services you have paid for completely out of pocket, you may have the right to request that information not be disclosed to a health plan.
Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific manner or at a specific location.
For example, you may request communication by telephone rather than mail.
We will accommodate reasonable requests when possible.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures of your protected health information made by OPT-ISM Eye Care.
Certain disclosures, including those related to treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, may not be included.
Right to a Paper Copy
You have the right to request a paper copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time, even if you have previously received it electronically.
Electronic Communications
Electronic communications, including email and text messaging, may involve privacy risks.
By providing contact information and communicating electronically with our office, you acknowledge that electronic communication may be used when appropriate.
For highly sensitive information, we may recommend communication through a secure patient portal or another secure method.
Changes to This Notice
OPT-ISM Eye Care reserves the right to change this Notice of Privacy Practices.
Any revised notice may apply to health information we already maintain as well as information created or received in the future.
The current version of this notice will be available at our office and may also be posted on our website.
Questions or Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if you have questions about this notice, please contact OPT-ISM Eye Care.
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
You will not be retaliated against for filing a privacy complaint.
Contact Information
OPT-ISM Eye Care
South Tampa, Florida
Website: www.opt-ism.com
For privacy-related questions, requests, or complaints, please contact our office using the telephone number or contact information provided on our website.