AACO Privacy Policy
Last Updated: April 26/2025
American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO) (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you engage with us—whether online, in person, or through our services and programs.
By using our website, services, or interacting with us, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Who We Are
AACO is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to advance the field of orthoptics through excellence in education, certification, and professional development. We strive to enhance patient care by promoting the highest standards of practice, fostering research, and advocating for the profession within the healthcare community. Our commitment is to support our members in delivering exceptional health care and improving the quality of life for patients with binocular vision disorders.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information in the following ways:
- Information You Provide to Us
- Name, email, phone number, mailing address
- Demographic details (e.g., age, gender—if voluntarily provided)
- Health-related information (only when necessary and with your consent)
- Donation/payment information
- Volunteer or program application data
- Responses to surveys, event registrations, or program participation forms
- Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may collect:- IP address
- Browser type and device
- Pages visited and time spent
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Deliver our programs and services
- Process donations and issue tax receipts
- Respond to inquiries or support requests
- Register you for events or programs
- Improve our website and outreach
- Send updates, newsletters, or impact reports (only with your consent)
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
4. Sharing Your Information
We may share information:
- With service providers or partners who help us operate (e.g., email platforms, payment processors), under strict confidentiality
- If required by law (e.g., to comply with a subpoena or legal process)
- With your consent, in any other context
- All third parties are expected to uphold similar privacy and data protection standards.
5. How We Protect Your Information
We take appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Secure servers and encrypted data storage
- Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
- Regular review of data management practices
- Despite our efforts, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure. Please take steps to protect your own data when sharing online.
6. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies help us understand how visitors use our site and enable features like remembering preferences. You can modify your browser settings to manage or disable cookies at any time.
7. Your Choices and Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccuracies in your information
- Withdraw your consent for communications
- Request deletion of your personal data
- To exercise these rights, contact us at the information below.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verified parental or guardian consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.
9. Links to Other Sites
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in law or our practices. We will post any changes on our website, and the “Last Updated” date at the top will reflect the latest revision.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please reach out to us:
American Association of Certified Orthoptists
8 Tanager Trail, The Woodlands TX 77381
815-973-2376
AACO@orthoptics.org