This Privacy Notice explains how Vision Support collects, uses and protects personal information relating to referrals, service users and people accessing our services.

Vision Support is the trading name of Vision Enhancement Services (Charity Number 1068565).

Why We Collect Information

We collect information so that we can:

  • Assess eligibility for services
  • Provide support to people affected by vision impairments
  • Understand individual needs and accessibility requirements
  • Communicate effectively with service users and referrers
  • Safeguard staff, volunteers and service users
  • Monitor and improve our services
  • Meet legal and regulatory responsibilities

Information We May Collect

Depending on the service being provided, we may collect:

  • Name, address and contact details
  • Date of birth
  • Preferred communication format
  • Information about sight loss and eye conditions
  • Information about how vision impairment affects day-to-day life
  • Health or disability-related information relevant to support needs
  • Emergency contact or next of kin details
  • Information provided by healthcare professionals, family members or other referrers
  • Information relating to safeguarding, risks or support requirements
  • Information about services received or requested

Special Category Information

Some information we collect, including health and disability information, is classed as “special category data” under UK GDPR.

We process this information only where necessary to provide support services, meet safeguarding responsibilities, protect vital interests, or where consent has been provided where appropriate.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal information under one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interests
  • Provision of charitable support services
  • Legal obligations
  • Explicit consent where appropriate
  • Safeguarding and substantial public interest conditions where applicable

Information Sharing

We may share information with:

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Local authorities
  • Partner organisations
  • Safeguarding agencies
  • Funding or regulatory bodies where required

We will only share information where appropriate, lawful and necessary.

Safeguarding

Where we believe there is a risk of harm to an individual or others, we may share information without consent where permitted or required by law.

How Long We Keep Information

We retain service user and referral information only for as long as necessary in line with our retention procedures and legal obligations.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights including:

  • Access to your information
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Restriction or objection to processing in certain circumstances
  • Withdrawal of consent where consent is relied upon

The right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office: Make a complaint | ICO

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your information is used, please contact:

Vision Support

Email: information@visionsupport.org.uk

Telephone: 01244 381515