22 January 2018

Data protection law in the UK is changing – essential, new advice for those working in the optical sector

New data protection laws which come into force in the UK on 25 May 2018 – will impact the optical sector.

To help those working in the sector, the Optical Confederation, of which FODO is an active member, has published an initial guide to these important changes, aimed at optical practices, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and practitioners. It includes a breakdown of what optical businesses need to do to comply, when the new rules come into effect.

The guidance, published on our website, explains what is changing and what steps you should take now.

Optical Confederation Chair, Fiona Anderson said: “These changes will affect everyone working in the sector. Even though some of the new rules are still not clear, people are understandably eager to know what they should be doing in their business and professional roles. The Optical Confederation knows that demand is high for guidance on this topic and we’ve produced initial advice that sets out what people can do now to prepare for these changes”.

With a Bill currently going through the UK Parliament and because the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has not completed its guidance on the General Data Protection Regulation, some of the detailed changes have not yet been finalised. The Optical Confederation will publish updated guidance periodically, as the rules are confirmed.

The guidance can be found here.