#United States #Data Security #Birmingham #Patient Information #Alabama Ophthalmology

Alabama Ophthalmology Associates Takes Action After Data Security Breach

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 10, 2025 – Alabama Ophthalmology Associates (AOA) has disclosed that it was the victim of a data security incident involving personal and protected health information of certain patients. The organization has proactively informed those potentially affected by the event and has established resources to support them.

On January 30, 2025, AOA detected unusual activity within its network. As soon as this anomaly was identified, the practice took immediate action by enhancing security protocols and enlisted a reputable independent digital forensics and incident response firm to carry out a thorough investigation. This inquiry aimed to uncover how the breach occurred and determine if any sensitive data had been compromised.

The investigation confirmed that certain pieces of personal and protected health information had been accessed and acquired by an unauthorized party between January 22 and January 30, 2025. A detailed examination of the affected data was conducted, leading to the identification of the individuals affected, which concluded by March 19, 2025. Following this review, AOA made it a priority to notify those potentially impacted by the incident as quickly as possible.

The types of information that may have been compromised include, but are not limited to, names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, medical details, and health insurance information. Importantly, it should be noted that not every individual had all of these data points affected.

Notification was initiated on April 7, 2025, when AOA began alerting potentially impacted individuals about this security incident. Additionally, the organization has set up a toll-free helpline to address any inquiries regarding the event. This call center is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time (excluding major U.S. holidays), and individuals can reach them at 1-877-280-2754.

AOA emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding personal and protected health information. The organization expresses deep regret for the concerns and inconveniences this incident may have caused to its patients. To mitigate the impacts of the breach, AOA is also offering resources to help affected individuals monitor or protect their sensitive information.

This data breach highlights the increasing necessity for stringent cybersecurity measures in healthcare settings, where personal health information is often a highly sought-after target for cybercriminals. AOA’s prompt response and ongoing communication with impacted individuals further underscore the organization’s dedication to transparency and patient safety.

In light of this incident, patients are encouraged to remain vigilant for any unusual account activity and utilize available resources for monitoring their personal information. A retail environment and assessment of the potential impacts on affected individuals will be integral moving forward.

For continuous updates, AOA plans to maintain open lines of communication with the community as they navigate this challenging situation, ensuring that they uphold the integrity of their services and the trust their patients place in them.