Eyeland Visioncare · Your Data Matters
National Data Opt-Out Statement
Information about your health and care helps the NHS to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan local services and research new treatments. You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning.
The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used. In May 2018, the rules about how this data can and cannot be used were strengthened. As an NHS-contracted optical practice, Eyeland Visioncare supports the National Data Opt-Out and respects every patient’s choice about how their confidential patient information is shared.
How your data is used
Your health and care information is used to improve your individual care. It is also used to help research new treatments, decide where to place GP clinics, and plan the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. Wherever possible we use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
What is confidential patient information?
Confidential patient information identifies you and says something about your health, care or treatment — information you would expect to be kept private. Information that only identifies you, such as your name and address, is not considered confidential patient information and may still be used — for example, to contact you if your practice is merging with another.
Who can use your confidential patient information for research and planning?
It is used by the NHS, local authorities, university and hospital researchers, medical colleges, and pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments.
Making your data opt-out choice
You can choose to opt out of sharing your confidential patient information for research and planning. There may still be times when your confidential patient information is used — for example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to your health or to other people’s health. You can also still consent to take part in a specific research project.
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No. Your confidential patient information will still be used for your individual care. Choosing to opt out will not affect your care and treatment, and you will still be invited for screening services, such as screening for bowel cancer.
What should you do next?
You do not need to do anything if you are happy with how your confidential patient information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your choice at any time.
Make or change your choice
To find out more, or to make or change your opt-out choice, use the NHS “Your NHS Data Matters” service:
Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). There is no deadline — you can make or change your choice at any time.
Our compliance with the National Data Opt-Out
Eyeland Visioncare is compliant with the National Data Opt-Out policy. We apply national data opt-outs in line with the requirements of NHS England, and we do not use or share confidential patient information for research and planning where a patient has registered an opt-out, except in the limited circumstances permitted by law (for example, where there is an overriding public interest, such as during an epidemic). This statement is reviewed annually.
Policy last reviewed: June 2026 · Next review due: June 2027
For more information about your data rights, visit the Your Data Matters campaign at ico.org.uk. Eyeland Visioncare applies the National Data Opt-Out in line with our Privacy Policy and Data Security and Protection Policy.