Retina Consultants of Hamilton (“RCH”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal and personal health information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) of Ontario.

This Privacy Policy outlines how information is collected, used, disclosed, and safeguarded when you access or use this website (the “Site”).

Collection of Information

We may collect personal information and, where applicable, personal health information through this Site, including:

• Name and contact information (e.g., email, phone number)
• Referral information submitted by healthcare providers
• Limited patient information required for coordination of care
• Information submitted through contact forms or inquiries

Information is collected only where necessary for administrative, communication, or clinical coordination purposes.

Use of Information

Information collected through the Site may be used to:

• Facilitate patient referrals and intake processes
• Coordinate clinical care and scheduling
• Respond to inquiries and communication requests
• Support administrative and operational functions
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Personal health information is used only for purposes consistent with providing or supporting healthcare services, in accordance with PHIPA.

Consent

By submitting information through this Site, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless otherwise required or permitted by law.

Healthcare providers submitting referral information are responsible for ensuring that appropriate patient consent has been obtained prior to submission.

Disclosure of Information

We do not sell or rent personal information.

Information may be disclosed:

• To authorized healthcare professionals involved in patient care
• To affiliated institutions or partners involved in approved clinical or research activities (where appropriate and permitted)
• Where required by law, regulation, or court order

All disclosures are made in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal and personal health information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or loss.

Secure, PHIPA-compliant systems are used for the transmission and storage of sensitive information where applicable. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Website Analytics

This Site may use cookies or similar technologies to improve user experience and analyze website usage.

This may include:

• Tracking general website traffic and usage patterns
• Understanding how users interact with content

This information is aggregated and does not identify individual users.

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if preferred.

Third-Party Services

This Site may use third-party tools or services (such as analytics or secure form platforms) to support its functionality.

Third-party providers are expected to adhere to applicable privacy and security standards and are engaged in compliance with relevant legislation. 

Retention of Information

Personal and personal health information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable laws and regulations.

Access and Correction

Individuals may request access to their personal information or request corrections where appropriate, subject to applicable legal and clinical considerations.

Requests may be made using the contact information below.

Limitations of Website Use

Submitting information through this Site does not establish a physician–patient relationship.

Users are advised to avoid submitting highly sensitive medical information unless through designated secure referral or clinical systems.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time without notice. The most current version will always be posted on this Site.

Contact Information

For privacy-related inquires, please contact:  Retina Consultants of Hamilton (administrative entity supporting clinical operations):

Retina Consultants of Hamilton
Email: info@hamiltonretina.ca

Dr. Varun Chaudhary, through his Medical Professional Corporation, is the Health Information Custodian responsible for personal health information described in this policy, in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).