Data Protection and Cyber Security – Is Your Practice Really Covered?
With data breaches and cyber threats on the rise across all sectors, optical practices are increasingly under scrutiny – not only from regulators but also from opportunistic claims management companies. If you think your practice is too small to be targeted, think again.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has stepped up its efforts by conducting random audits of businesses and their appointed Data Protection Officers (DPOs). These audits are designed to check that businesses are not only complying with GDPR but that their DPOs are trained, independent, qualified and experienced – exactly as the law requires.
If your DPO is in-house, part-time, or perhaps wearing multiple hats, that could pose a compliance risk. And if you’ve not appointed a DPO at all, or are doing it yourself without the right training, you could be putting your business – and your patients’ data – at unnecessary risk.
There is a growing trend of ‘no win, no fee’ claims being filed by individuals whose personal data has been involved in a breach. If your data protection systems were not fully compliant, you may be liable – even if the breach was minor or accidental.
Support from SightCare’s Independent DPO
That’s why SightCare’s independent DPO, David Mack, is here to help.
David offers:
– A fully qualified and experienced DPO service tailored to independent optical practices
– A robust system to evidence your GDPR compliance to regulators and insurers
– Ongoing support to ensure staff are regularly trained in both data protection and cyber security
David is also producing a short video training programme for his clients, focused on real-world threats and practical actions teams can take to stay safe and compliant.
📅 If you or your current DPO would like to join one of David’s upcoming webinars, email him directly at: davidmack@sightcare.co.uk
This is not just a box-ticking exercise – this is about protecting your patients, your reputation, and your business.
