Privacy Policy
**Last Updated: January 20, 2026**
The Scleral Lens Education Society (“SLS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to educating contact lens practitioners and the public about scleral contact lenses. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit our website at https://sclerallens.org/ (the “Site”), how we use and protect it, and your choices regarding that information.
1. Information We Collect
We collect only limited personal information, primarily in these ways:
– **Automatically Collected Information**
When you visit the Site, we (and our service providers) may automatically collect certain non-personal information, such as:
– Your IP address
– Browser type and version
– Operating system
– Pages viewed and time spent on the Site
– Referring/exit pages and clickstream data
This data helps us understand Site usage, improve functionality, and ensure security. We typically use standard tools like server logs and analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics) that use cookies or similar technologies.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
We may collect personal information if you choose to provide it, for example:
– When making a donation (processed securely by a third-party payment processor; we do not store full payment card details)
– Submitting a contact form or email inquiry
– Signing up for newsletters or updates (if offered)
This may include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, donation amount, or other details you submit.
Practitioner Directory and Other Features
The “Find a Scleral Lens Specialist” tool displays publicly available information about eye care practitioners who have opted in or been listed (e.g., name, practice location, contact info). This is not personal data collection from visitors.
We do **not** collect sensitive health information, medical records, or any protected health information (PHI) through the Site. We are **not** a covered entity under HIPAA.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect only for the following purposes:
– To operate, maintain, and improve the Site and our educational services
– To process donations and send acknowledgment/receipts (via third-party processors)
– To respond to your inquiries or communications
– To send occasional updates, newsletters, or educational resources (if you have opted in)
– To analyze Site usage trends and enhance user experience
– To comply with legal obligations, prevent fraud, or protect the rights and safety of SLS and others
We do **not** sell your personal information to third parties.
3. Sharing Your Information
We share personal information only in limited circumstances:
– With trusted service providers who assist us (e.g., website hosting, analytics, email service providers, donation processors such as PayPal/Stripe/etc.). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for the services they provide to us.
– As required by law, court order, or government request.
– In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice where required).
Donation information may be shared with payment processors and, if applicable, reported to tax authorities as required for non-profit compliance.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We may use cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies for functionality and analytics. You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit some Site features.
For more details on third-party analytics (e.g., Google Analytics), see their respective privacy policies.
5. Your Choices and Rights
– **Opt-Out**: You can unsubscribe from emails/newsletters using the link in any message we send.
– **Access/Update/Delete**: Contact us to request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information we hold about you (subject to legal exceptions).
– We will respond to verifiable requests in accordance with applicable law (e.g., CCPA for California residents, who may have additional rights including “Do Not Sell My Personal Information”).
We do not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals at this time.
6. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Third-Party Links and Services
The Site may link to third-party websites (e.g., donation processors, video platforms, manufacturer sites). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.
8. Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.
9. International Users
The Site is hosted in the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws may differ. By using the Site, you consent to this transfer.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our practices, please contact:
Scleral Lens Education Society
Email:pr*******@*********ns.org
Thank you for supporting the Scleral Lens Education Society.