What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a right to request recorded information held by public authorities, subject to certain exemptions.
The Act is intended to promote openness and transparency by allowing the public to find out about the work of public bodies, including how public services are provided and how public money is spent.
Although private healthcare providers are not automatically subject to the Act, information held by a provider on behalf of a public authority may fall within its scope. Certain healthcare providers may also be covered in respect of particular NHS functions.
Further information is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The Publication Scheme
The ICO provides a model publication scheme which sets out categories of information that public authorities should make routinely available.
Our Publication Scheme explains the categories of information relating to our services and NHS work that may be available.
If you cannot find the information you require, you may contact us using the details below. We will consider your request and advise you whether the information falls within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.
How do I make a request?
Requests should be made in writing and should describe the information you are seeking as clearly as possible.
Please send your request to:
Enhanced Optometry Services Ltd
15 Market Hill
Coggeshall
Essex
CO6 1TS
Please check our Publication Scheme before making a request, as some information may already be available.
Cost of information
There is no charge for making a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
However, the Act and associated regulations allow certain costs to be taken into account when determining whether a request can be processed. Where a charge is permitted, we will explain this before proceeding.
Charges may also apply for permitted disbursements, such as photocopying and postage.
Requests for personal or medical records
The Freedom of Information Act is not the appropriate route for obtaining copies of your own medical or optometry records.
Requests for access to your personal information, including your clinical records, should instead be made under data protection legislation.
Please see our Data Protection and Privacy Notice pages for further information.