EU Trans Reg ID: 221589017973-83
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how the European Alliance for Vision Research and Ophthalmology (EU EYE) collects, processes, uses, and protects your personal data in accordance with applicable legislation, in particular: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC), Belgian data protection legislation (Act of 30 July 2018), the recommendations of the Belgian Data Protection Authority, guidelines and best practices of the European Data Protection Board, and relevant court decisions. EU EYE respects your rights and is committed to handling your personal data with transparency, integrity, fairness, and in compliance with applicable laws. Any personal data that you decide to provide will be used to support the relationship between you and EU EYE. Please read all information below and the EU EYE Cookie Policy to understand what data is collected and how it is processed under this Privacy Policy. This online privacy policy applies to information collected through our website and electronic communications only; it does not apply to information collected offline.What is Personal Data?
Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (“data subject”). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.Data Controller
When you initiate direct electronic communications to EU EYE (e.g., by sending an email inquiry), you may provide certain personal data (such as name, contact email, country of residency) needed for EU EYE to process your inquiry. By initiating such communication, you authorize EU EYE to record and store:- Information voluntarily provided by you for a purpose within the scope of the organization (see Who we are and what we do).
- Additional information requested by EU EYE to verify that your inquiry is genuine or to prevent violation of this Policy.
Who We Are and What We Do
EU EYE is a non-profit alliance of subspecialty ophthalmology societies. We provide membership services to organizations and maintain a publicly accessible website. Our work aims to shape EU policies by increasing awareness about eye health needs for equitable access to care and improved outcomes across Europe and beyond. Activities include:- Collecting and disseminating information on policy developments at EU and national levels, including responding to public email inquiries on relevant policy topics.
- Organizing policy workshops and seminars (including sustainability guidelines and standards in healthcare systems).
- Providing policy guidance and other educational resources and services.
- Interest representation and engagement with EU institutions/agencies; launching digital awareness campaigns.
- Offering opportunities, under voluntary agreements, for patients, clinicians, and researchers to support our work (e.g., expertise to regulators or awareness raising).
Website Access
EU EYE respects user privacy and is committed to it. The website https://www.eueye.org/ is structured so users can browse freely (including reading our newsletter) without identifying themselves or providing personal information. By visiting eueye.org, you accept this Privacy Policy and the Cookie Policy. This Policy applies to pages hosted on the EU EYE website. It does not apply to third-party pages to which EU EYE may refer and whose policies may differ. EU EYE is not responsible for data processed on those websites or their privacy policies. Users agree not to act contrary to this Policy, the Terms, the Cookie Policy, or the law.Electronic Communications Initiated by You
Our email contact details are published on our website. We respond only to inquiries related to our scope. If you email us or use other direct communication means, you may voluntarily submit:- Your name
- Your email address
- Any other information you include in your message
- We do not provide individual health advice. Emails/attachments containing health records or other health data are automatically withheld, deleted, and removed from the server (see Medical disclaimer).
- We do not respond to inquiries about personal medical careers or business aspects of private medical practices; such emails are deleted and removed from the server (see No-responsibility disclaimer).
How is Personal Data Processed?
EU EYE ensures personal data is:- Processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.
- Collected for legitimate purposes.
- Adequate, relevant, and not excessive in relation to its purposes.
- Accurate and kept up to date.
- Kept no longer than necessary.
- Secured with appropriate technical and organizational measures.
Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data
- Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR – Consent: When you voluntarily provide personal data (e.g., via email).
- Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR – Contractual Necessity: To take steps at your request (e.g., potential agreement/volunteering).
- Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR – Legal Obligation: Where necessary to comply with laws.
- Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR – Legitimate Interests: To respond to inquiries; maintain communications; perform volunteer agreements; support research/education/events; and communicate about relevant emerging EU policies or activities.
Cookies and Online Tracking Technologies
When you visit the EU EYE website, non-identifiable information may be automatically collected (e.g., device/IP, referring site, pages visited, time on page) to understand site relevance and improve content. Technologies include cookies—small text files that recognize repeat users and facilitate access/use. You may accept or disable cookies in your browser. For full details, see our Cookie Policy.Data Retention
We retain personal data and email correspondence only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, unless a longer period is required by law. Specifically:- General communications data is retained until consent is withdrawn.
- Event/activity data is retained for a reasonable period after events to manage participation, provide post-event materials, and inform participants about similar future EU EYE activities (unless objected to).
- Regulatory records are kept for legally required periods.
How We Use Your Personal Data
- Respond to your questions or requests.
- Perform volunteer agreements.
- Communicate about our services.
- Maintain internal records.
- Comply with legal or contractual obligations.
Communication to Third Parties
EU EYE treats personal data as confidential and will not disclose it to third parties except as set out in this Policy or where required by law. We do not sell, trade, or lease personal data for marketing purposes. We may share data with third parties where necessary to respond to your inquiry or perform a contract (e.g., where you agree to volunteer for a defined purpose). Such parties will not further disclose the information except:- To EU institutions/agencies to the extent necessary for contract performance.
- Where required by applicable regulations to competent public authorities.
Personal Data Transfers
EU EYE may transfer data to trusted collaboration partners (contractors; researchers, clinicians and patients; EU institutions; national health authorities; NGOs) where needed to address your inquiry or perform a volunteer agreement. All transfers are under data protection agreements ensuring GDPR compliance. We will inform you of the recipient and purpose where applicable. Collaboration partners may act as:- Joint Controllers: Sharing responsibility for processing.
- Processors: Acting under EU EYE’s instructions and safeguards.
Where is Personal Data Stored?
Personal data is stored in EU EYE systems located in the EEA or in countries offering an equivalent level of privacy protection.Note Concerning Minors
Persons under 18 and persons without full legal capacity are not permitted to use the website. If you are under 18, please do not submit personal information. Parents/guardians should monitor children’s internet use and instruct them not to provide personal information online without permission.Validity of Contractual Clauses
Failure by EU EYE to invoke a provision at any time shall not constitute a waiver of rights. If any provision is invalid, expired, or unenforceable, it shall be deemed unwritten and replaced with a valid provision that achieves the same objective as closely as possible.Automated Decision-Making
EU EYE does not use automated decision-making or profiling that significantly impacts individuals. If such processes are introduced, individuals will be informed of the reasons and potential consequences in accordance with GDPR Article 22.Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:- Be informed about who processes your data, what, and why (and any changes to the controller).
- Access your personal information (request a copy).
- Rectification (correct inaccurate or incomplete data).
- Erasure (request deletion before the retention period if no legitimate/legal basis to keep it).
- Withdraw consent for processing.
- Restrict processing (e.g., when objected, disputed accuracy, or processing is unlawful).
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
Complaints – Supervisory Authority
This Policy is governed by Belgian law (as permitted by applicable private international law). In disputes, the courts and tribunals of Brussels have exclusive jurisdiction (as permitted by applicable private international law). The Belgian authorities recommend attempting amicable resolution (contacting each other, mediation, arbitration, or other ADR) before judicial steps. If you are not satisfied with EU EYE’s handling of your personal data, you may lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD-GBA). Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit / Autorité de protection des données Drukpersstraat 35, 1000 Brussels Email: contact@apd-gba.be Tel: +32 (0)2 274 48 00 Website: dataprotectionauthority.beChanges to This Privacy Policy
We may modify, adapt, or update this Privacy Policy from time to time, particularly to comply with new legislation/regulations (e.g., GDPR), recommendations of the Belgian DPA, EDPB guidelines, and court decisions. Changes will be posted on this page together with the revision date. Please check periodically for updates. Questions may be sent to secretariat@eueye.org.Contact Us
If you have questions or comments about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact EU EYE:- Email: secretariat@eueye.org
- Post: European Alliance for Vision Research and Ophthalmology Square Charles-Maurice Wiser 10/22, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium
