Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 20, 2026

1. Introduction

The Glaucoma Community (“we,” “our,” or “the Community”) provides an online platform designed to offer education, resources, and peer support for individuals affected by glaucoma.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly and transparently. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how it may be shared when you use our website, applications, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using the Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

2. Who We Are

The Glaucoma Community platform is operated with the support of a technology and services provider that helps power the platform, maintain infrastructure, and support operations.

This provider may process data on our behalf in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws, including HIPAA where applicable.

2.1 Platform Provider and Data Processing

The Glaucoma Community is supported by a third-party platform provider, Responsum Health, which supplies the underlying technology, infrastructure, and operational support for the Services.

Responsum Health acts as a service provider (or “data processor”) on behalf of The Glaucoma Community and processes personal information solely for the purpose of:

• Operating and maintaining the platform
• Supporting functionality such as user accounts, communications, and community features
• Providing technical support, analytics, and system improvements

Responsum Health does not use your personal information for its own independent purposes outside of providing these services, except where permitted or required by law.

All data processing activities performed by Responsum Health are governed by contractual obligations designed to ensure appropriate safeguards, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws, including safeguards aligned with HIPAA where applicable.

3. Information We Collect

A. Identifying Information (“Personal Data”)

This may include:

• Name or display name
• Email address
• Account credentials
• IP address and device identifiers
• Private messages sent within the platform

B. Health & Profile Information (User-Provided)

You may choose to share:

• Diagnosis and condition details
• Symptoms and treatments
• Demographics (age, gender, location)
• Survey responses
• Community posts, comments, or journal entries

C. Usage & Technical Data

We automatically collect:

• Pages visited and interactions
• Browser and device type
• Referral URLs
• Time spent on the platform
• Engagement with emails or content

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and improve the platform
• Personalize your experience
• Deliver educational content and resources
• Facilitate community interactions
• Notify you about updates, research opportunities, or relevant content 
• Conduct research and generate insights (in de-identified form)

5. How Your Information Is Shared

A. Within the Community

• Your display name and shared content may be visible to other members
• You control what you choose to share

B. With Service Providers

We work with trusted vendors to support:

• Hosting and infrastructure
• Email communications
• Analytics and platform functionality

These vendors are contractually required to protect your data.

C. With Research & Healthcare Partners

We may share de-identified or aggregated data with:

• Research institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Life sciences companies

We do not sell your identifiable personal data.

D. Legal and Safety Obligations

We may disclose information:

• To comply with legal requirements
• To protect users or the platform
• In response to lawful requests

6. Health Information & HIPAA Considerations

The Glaucoma Community is designed for education and support and is not a healthcare provider.

While we take strong measures to protect your data, including safeguards aligned with HIPAA principles, information you voluntarily share in community areas may not be protected as clinical health records.

7. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enable platform functionality
• Understand usage patterns
• Improve performance and user experience

You can adjust your browser settings to limit cookies, but some features may not function properly.

8. Your Choices & Rights

You may:

• Access or update your account information
• Opt out of marketing emails
• Request deletion of your account

To make a request, contact privacy@theglaucomacommunity.com

9. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide services
• Meet legal obligations
• Support ongoing research (in de-identified form where possible)

10. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure. By using the platform, you acknowledge this risk.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

12. Your State Privacy Rights

Depending on your location (e.g., California, Virginia, Texas), you may have rights to:

• Access your data
• Request correction or deletion
• Opt out of certain data uses

To exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@theglaucomacommunity.com

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy:

The Glaucoma Community
privacy@theglaucomacommunity.com