Privacy Statement
Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) collects personal information in various ways and for various reasons.
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients, supporters, volunteers and staff.
This Privacy Statement explains how we manage the personal information we collect, use, and disclose.
CERA supports and complies with all relevant Australian legislation and regulation on privacy, including provisions relating specifically to health and research settings. This statement incorporates the relevant provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our research participants, supporters, volunteers, and staff.
We will update this statement when our information-handling practices change, and any amendments will apply to the information we hold at the time of the update.
We will post the updated statement on our website, and we encourage you to check our website from time to time to view our current statement or contact us for a printed copy.
CERA supports and complies with all relevant Australian legislation and regulation on privacy, including provisions relating specifically to health and research settings. This statement incorporates the relevant provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles.
We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our research participants, supporters, volunteers, and staff.
We will update this statement when our information-handling practices change, and any amendments will apply to the information we hold at the time of the update.
We will post the updated statement on our website, and we encourage you to check our website from time to time to view our current statement or contact us for a printed copy.
What is personal information?
Personal Information is information or an opinion that is capable of reasonably identifying an individual, whether that information or opinion is true or not.
Examples of personal information we collect include but are not limited to: names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, health information, date of birth, financial information, donation history, and event attendance.
Personal Information is information or an opinion that is capable of reasonably identifying an individual, whether that information or opinion is true or not.
Examples of personal information we collect include but are not limited to: names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, health information, date of birth, financial information, donation history, and event attendance.
What is sensitive information?
Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act 1988 to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record, or health information.
Sensitive information will be used by us only:
- For the primary purpose for which it was obtained.
- For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose.
- With your consent or where required or authorised by law.
Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act 1988 to include information or opinion about such things as an individual’s racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record, or health information.
Sensitive information will be used by us only:
- For the primary purpose for which it was obtained.
- For a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose.
- With your consent or where required or authorised by law.
When do we collect personal information?
Some examples of when we collect personal information include:
- If you attend one of our events.
- When you sign up to receive our Eye-News newsletter, Visionary Magazine or any other e-newsletter or publication produced by CERA.
- If you make a donation to CERA or wish to leave a bequest.
- If you provide us with services on a voluntary basis or participate in any fundraising activities.
- If you apply for employment with CERA (or a contractor role).
- When you contact us via phone, email, mail, or any other means.
- When you complete an online form, e.g., a questionnaire or registration form.
- If you participate in a clinical research project or research survey.
- If you are a health care provider and refer a patient to CERA.
- If you self-register your interest to participate in a clinical trial or research survey, or if you are referred by your healthcare provider.
Some examples of when we collect personal information include:
- If you attend one of our events.
- When you sign up to receive our Eye-News newsletter, Visionary Magazine or any other e-newsletter or publication produced by CERA.
- If you make a donation to CERA or wish to leave a bequest.
- If you provide us with services on a voluntary basis or participate in any fundraising activities.
- If you apply for employment with CERA (or a contractor role).
- When you contact us via phone, email, mail, or any other means.
- When you complete an online form, e.g., a questionnaire or registration form.
- If you participate in a clinical research project or research survey.
- If you are a health care provider and refer a patient to CERA.
- If you self-register your interest to participate in a clinical trial or research survey, or if you are referred by your healthcare provider.
Why do we collect personal information?
In general terms, we collect information connected with our operations and activities such as in our research capacity, study administration, fundraising capacity, for promotional activities and when we provide and receive services.
In general terms, we collect information connected with our operations and activities such as in our research capacity, study administration, fundraising capacity, for promotional activities and when we provide and receive services.
What information do we collect and how do we use it?
Promotional activities and supporter communication
To process donations, provide receipts, send information about CERA and to get in touch with our supporters, from time to time we typically ask you for the following details:
- Contact information (name, address, telephone, e-mail).
- Your CERA supporter number (if you have one).
- Credit card numbers.
We may also use your personal information for the purpose of marketing our activities via mail, SMS, phone, email, and other channels. You may advise us if you do not wish to receive marketing materials, either by using the unsubscribe function in our emails, SMS and other communications, or by contacting us at privacy@cera.org.au or (03) 9929 8360.
CERA is grateful to the people who are sharing their personal stories through our website, newsletters, print publications and other channels. We will only use your personal stories with your written or verbal consent.
Online surveys
Our online surveys may ask for contact information as well as some population-based information to find out what we can do to better meet your needs.
If you complete a survey for research purposes, you will be notified before proceeding as to whether your personal information will be recorded.
Job and student applications
If you apply for a position advertised on our website or express interest in studying with CERA, your CV and other personal details will be kept in a database and used to contact you as part of the recruitment process for the role in question or any other roles that may arise that we may wish to contact you about.
Clinical Participant Register
By registering your interest in participating in our clinical research, you consent to CERA collecting personal information about you, including your name, contact details and eye condition (if applicable). You may also choose to allow us to contact your eyecare professional should we require further information or eye images.
The information you provide will help us identify whether you may be eligible to participate in any clinical research conducted through CERA and will allow us to contact you about any such research.
Your information may be held in a register for as long as the register is active or until you decide to withdraw from it.
If at any time you wish to be removed from the register, please contact privacy@cera.org.au.
Promotional activities and supporter communication
To process donations, provide receipts, send information about CERA and to get in touch with our supporters, from time to time we typically ask you for the following details:
- Contact information (name, address, telephone, e-mail).
- Your CERA supporter number (if you have one).
- Credit card numbers.
We may also use your personal information for the purpose of marketing our activities via mail, SMS, phone, email, and other channels. You may advise us if you do not wish to receive marketing materials, either by using the unsubscribe function in our emails, SMS and other communications, or by contacting us at privacy@cera.org.au or (03) 9929 8360.
CERA is grateful to the people who are sharing their personal stories through our website, newsletters, print publications and other channels. We will only use your personal stories with your written or verbal consent.
Online surveys
Our online surveys may ask for contact information as well as some population-based information to find out what we can do to better meet your needs.
If you complete a survey for research purposes, you will be notified before proceeding as to whether your personal information will be recorded.
Job and student applications
If you apply for a position advertised on our website or express interest in studying with CERA, your CV and other personal details will be kept in a database and used to contact you as part of the recruitment process for the role in question or any other roles that may arise that we may wish to contact you about.
Clinical Participant Register
By registering your interest in participating in our clinical research, you consent to CERA collecting personal information about you, including your name, contact details and eye condition (if applicable). You may also choose to allow us to contact your eyecare professional should we require further information or eye images.
The information you provide will help us identify whether you may be eligible to participate in any clinical research conducted through CERA and will allow us to contact you about any such research.
Your information may be held in a register for as long as the register is active or until you decide to withdraw from it.
If at any time you wish to be removed from the register, please contact privacy@cera.org.au.
Cookies and remarketing
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are small pieces of text stored on your computer which help us deliver a more efficient and personalised service.
Information retained via cookies includes: the type of browser and settings you are using, device type and software versions used, device identifiers (like IP address), location data (where available and not disabled by the user), dates, times, and user activity such as where you have been on the website, when you return to the website, where you came from, links clicked, and forms submitted.
Through the use of cookies, we anonymously track your visit to our website in order to compile statistical information about the use of the website and enable certain website functionalities.
These cookies do not store any personal information such as your name, email address, postal address, or telephone number.
We also use cookies to present our website users with retargeting advertising via Facebook and Google Ads. This means that your interactions with our website may have an influence on the ads you see on Facebook, Google search and their advertising partners.
If you engage with our Facebook page, you may also be more likely to see CERA advertisements. You can see more information about managing your preferences and Facebook advertising below.
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are small pieces of text stored on your computer which help us deliver a more efficient and personalised service.
Information retained via cookies includes: the type of browser and settings you are using, device type and software versions used, device identifiers (like IP address), location data (where available and not disabled by the user), dates, times, and user activity such as where you have been on the website, when you return to the website, where you came from, links clicked, and forms submitted.
Through the use of cookies, we anonymously track your visit to our website in order to compile statistical information about the use of the website and enable certain website functionalities.
These cookies do not store any personal information such as your name, email address, postal address, or telephone number.
We also use cookies to present our website users with retargeting advertising via Facebook and Google Ads. This means that your interactions with our website may have an influence on the ads you see on Facebook, Google search and their advertising partners.
If you engage with our Facebook page, you may also be more likely to see CERA advertisements. You can see more information about managing your preferences and Facebook advertising below.
Managing cookies and controlling your information
You can configure your internet browser to accept all cookies, reject all cookies or notify you when a cookie is sent. Most browsers accept cookies by default.
Rejecting cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising, but it does mean that you will no longer be shown customised ads based on your interests and web usage patterns using cookie-based technology. Rejecting cookies may prevent you from taking full advantage of our website.
If you have a Facebook account, you can go to ‘Ad preferences’ in your Facebook settings to control how Facebook uses the information it collects to show you ads. You can also opt out if you do not want Facebook to use information based on your activity on websites or apps off Facebook to show you ads.
For more information regarding online behavioural advertising, including ways to manage your online privacy, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
You can configure your internet browser to accept all cookies, reject all cookies or notify you when a cookie is sent. Most browsers accept cookies by default.
Rejecting cookies does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising, but it does mean that you will no longer be shown customised ads based on your interests and web usage patterns using cookie-based technology. Rejecting cookies may prevent you from taking full advantage of our website.
If you have a Facebook account, you can go to ‘Ad preferences’ in your Facebook settings to control how Facebook uses the information it collects to show you ads. You can also opt out if you do not want Facebook to use information based on your activity on websites or apps off Facebook to show you ads.
For more information regarding online behavioural advertising, including ways to manage your online privacy, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
How do we protect your information?
The security of your personal information is important to us.
No data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. However, CERA uses its best endeavours to protect your personally identifiable information. This includes using industry-standard techniques such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection and site monitoring.
When you enter personal information (such as credit card numbers) on our website, we encrypt that information using secure socket layer technology (SSL).
When credit card details are collected, we simply pass them on in order to be processed as required. We never permanently store complete credit card details.
While we strive to protect your personally identifiable information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you send to us or receive from us, especially via email. Such information cannot be protected by CERA until it reaches us. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our servers.
The security of your personal information is important to us.
No data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. However, CERA uses its best endeavours to protect your personally identifiable information. This includes using industry-standard techniques such as firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection and site monitoring.
When you enter personal information (such as credit card numbers) on our website, we encrypt that information using secure socket layer technology (SSL).
When credit card details are collected, we simply pass them on in order to be processed as required. We never permanently store complete credit card details.
While we strive to protect your personally identifiable information, we cannot guarantee the security of any information you send to us or receive from us, especially via email. Such information cannot be protected by CERA until it reaches us. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best effort to ensure its security on our servers.
Do we share your information?
Access to your personal information by third party service providers is limited to the information reasonably necessary in order for the service provider to perform their limited function for us. We also require that these service providers:
- protect the privacy of your personal information in a manner which is consistent with this Privacy Statement, and
- not use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than providing us with products or services for which we engaged them.
We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients, however some of our third-party providers may be located overseas.
We may also provide your personal information to others, if required or permitted to do so by law, in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
We will only disclose your personal information:
- With your consent.
- For a purpose for which you would reasonably expect.
- As required or permitted by law.
- In accordance with this Privacy Statement.
Only authorised staff have access to your records on a need-to-know basis for the conduct of their jobs.
Access to your personal information by third party service providers is limited to the information reasonably necessary in order for the service provider to perform their limited function for us. We also require that these service providers:
- protect the privacy of your personal information in a manner which is consistent with this Privacy Statement, and
- not use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than providing us with products or services for which we engaged them.
We do not routinely disclose personal information to overseas recipients, however some of our third-party providers may be located overseas.
We may also provide your personal information to others, if required or permitted to do so by law, in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
We will only disclose your personal information:
- With your consent.
- For a purpose for which you would reasonably expect.
- As required or permitted by law.
- In accordance with this Privacy Statement.
Only authorised staff have access to your records on a need-to-know basis for the conduct of their jobs.
Can you remain anonymous or use a pseudonym when dealing with us?
If you wish to remain anonymous or to use a pseudonym when dealing with us, we may be able to provide you with only limited information and services.
In many cases, however, it will not be possible for us to assist you with your specific needs if you wish to remain anonymous or to use a pseudonym.
If you wish to remain anonymous or to use a pseudonym when dealing with us, we may be able to provide you with only limited information and services.
In many cases, however, it will not be possible for us to assist you with your specific needs if you wish to remain anonymous or to use a pseudonym.
Links with other sites
CERA’s website contains links to other sites. Other sites may also link to our site. CERA is not responsible for the content, privacy or general business practices of any website or organisation other than our own. External websites are not covered by this Statement.
CERA’s website contains links to other sites. Other sites may also link to our site. CERA is not responsible for the content, privacy or general business practices of any website or organisation other than our own. External websites are not covered by this Statement.
Accessing, opting out or updating your information
If you want to change any information that you have previously given us, or if you want to opt out of future communications, please e-mail privacy@cera.org.au or call us on (03) 9929 8360.
We may update your personal information if we believe the personal information we hold is incomplete or out of date.
If you wish to access your personal information, please contact us in writing at privacy@cera.org.au or by mail to:
Privacy Officer
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Level 7, 32 Gisborne Street
East Melbourne Vic 3002
CERA will not charge any fee for your access request but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your personal information.
In order to protect your personal information, we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.
If you want to change any information that you have previously given us, or if you want to opt out of future communications, please e-mail privacy@cera.org.au or call us on (03) 9929 8360.
We may update your personal information if we believe the personal information we hold is incomplete or out of date.
If you wish to access your personal information, please contact us in writing at privacy@cera.org.au or by mail to:
Privacy Officer
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Level 7, 32 Gisborne Street
East Melbourne Vic 3002
CERA will not charge any fee for your access request but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your personal information.
In order to protect your personal information, we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information.
Feedback
If you have any questions or comments about CERA in relation to privacy issues, please contact us on (03) 9929 8360 or email privacy@cera.org.au.
If you have an unresolved complaint about how we handle your personal information, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
If you have any questions or comments about CERA in relation to privacy issues, please contact us on (03) 9929 8360 or email privacy@cera.org.au.
If you have an unresolved complaint about how we handle your personal information, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.