Introduction
This is a complete guide to the information routinely made available to the public by us.It is a description of the information about our NHS services that we make publicly available.
How this information is made available.
The information within each Class is available in hard copy from Opticare Eye Care Specialists Ltd, 276 Queens Road, Halifax, HX1 4NJ This guide information We will publish any changes we make to this guide or relevant information. We will also publish any proposed changes or additions to publications already available.
Cost of Information
For the most part, we will only charge for hard copies.
Accessed from our website - free of charge
Single hard copies - Hard copies, or archived copies will attract a charge for retrieval, photocopying and postage. We will inform you of the cost of the charges that will have to be paid in advance.
As the Freedom of Information Act applies to the provision of information, a request for multiple hard copies does not fall within the provisions of the Act and will attract a charge for retrieval, photocopying and postage. We will inform you of the cost of these charges that will have to be paid in advance.
E-mail will be free of charge.
Your Rights to Information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is designed to promote openness and accountability amongst all organisations that receive public money.
Like all NHS contractors, since 1 January 2005 there has been a Freedom of Information (FOI) obligation on optical practices to respond to requests about the NHS related information that they hold, and a right of access to that information has been established in law.
These rights are subject to exemptions (see below) that have to be taken into consideration before releasing information.
In addition to accessing the information identified in this guide, you are entitled to request information about our NHS services under the NHS Openness Code 1995.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you and you can contact any practice where your records are held to do this.
Feedback
If you have any comments about the operation of the Publication Scheme, or how we have dealt with your request for information from the scheme, please write to Opticare Eye Care Specialists Ltd, 276 Queens Road, Halifax, HX1 4NJ
Classes of Information
All NHS information at Opticare Eye Care Specialists is held, retained and destroyed within NHS guidelines. Our commitment to publish information excludes any information that can be legitimately withheld under the exemptions set out in the NHS Openness Code or Freedom of Information Act 2000, the main reasons being the protection of commercial interests and personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998. This scheme has been written in accordance with those exemptions. The information on this Scheme is grouped into the following categories:
1.Who we are and what we do
Opticare Eye Care Specialists Ltd provides ophthalmic services to the public.
Details of the Opticians and Optometrists employed in one of our stores can be obtained by contacting that store directly. Alternatively, details of all opticians and optometrists registered in the UK are available from the General Optical Council. Tel: 0207 580 3898 or www.optical.org Company registration number: 08477013
2. Financial and funding information: what we spend and how we spend it
For every sight test performed on behalf of the NHS the practice receives a set fee, which is fixed nationally. The fees paid by the NHS for each service are available from the practice on request. They include a contribution towards optometrists� and staff salaries, equipment costs and other practice overheads. Information in this class will be published only where it is unlikely adversely to affect the commercial position of the firm or practice.
This practice also carries out the following enhanced services on behalf of the NHS: ________
3. Our Priorities
To provide our patients with high quality eye care
4. Decision Making
Any decisions made about the provision of NHS-funded services will be reflected in the services we provide and in the contract held with NHS England.
5. Our policies and procedures
Complaints
Data protection
Health and safety
Copies are available on request from the optical manager.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about any of our products or services, please do discuss any problems with the manager at the practice concerned.
A full copy of our complaints policy is available on request.
6. Lists and Registers
We do not keep lists and registers. Our patient records are confidential.
7. The Services We Offer
Opticare Eye Care Specialists provide NHS-funded sight tests for those who are eligible. Patients may also be entitled to NHS vouchers that can be used against the purchase of spectacles or contact lenses as required. To find out if you are eligible for this assistance please ask for details in any of our practices.
A
ppointments for sight tests can be booked over the phone or in person in practice.
Opening times can vary, so please call to confirm.
Regular publications and information for the public
Information about optical and ocular conditions, sight tests, spectacles, and contact lenses, can be found on www.college-optometrists.org
Useful Resources
Websites:
Information Commissioner: www.ico.gov.uk
Ministry of Justice:
http://www.justice.gov.uk/whatwedo/freedomofinformation.htm
Publications:
NHS Openness Code:
www.doh.gov.uk/nhsexec/codemain.htm
Freedom of Information Act 2000:
www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000036.htm
