Privacy Policy for PatchPal

Last Updated: March 10, 2026 (v1.2.4)

1. Introduction

PatchPal ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use the PatchPal mobile application ("App").

By using PatchPal, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you use PatchPal, you may provide the following information:

Child's name: To personalize the app experience
Caretaker's name: To identify who is using the app
Relationship to child: To customize the app interface (e.g., Mother, Father, Nanny, Sibling, etc.)
Eye information: Which eye is patched, which eye is being tracked, or whether an alternating schedule is used (with per-session eye recorded)
Gender: Optional demographic information
Daily patching goal: Your prescribed patching duration in minutes
Patching session data:
- Date and time of patching sessions
- Duration of each session
- Session notes and tags (e.g., Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
- Start and end times
- Completion status
Visual acuity records: Optional eye test measurements (Snellen readings), test dates, and notes from doctor visits or home tests
Encouragement messages: Messages sent between family members within the app
Feedback and support messages: When you contact us through the app

2.2 Derived Information

The App automatically calculates the following from your session data:

Streaks and statistics: Current streak, best streak, and last completed date
Achievements: Badges and milestones earned based on patching consistency
Game progress: Scores and play time from in-app mini-games
Nap detection: Automatically detected rest periods during patching sessions based on pause durations

2.3 Information Stored Locally

All data is stored locally on your device by default using iOS UserDefaults. If you enable iCloud Sync, data is also stored in your personal iCloud account using Apple's CloudKit service.

Minimal data (today's patching progress, goal, and child's name) is shared with the home screen widget and Live Activity via App Groups.

3. How We Use Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

To provide app functionality: Track and manage eye patching sessions
To enable family collaboration: Share patching data with family members who join using a profile code
To send local notifications: Reminders, timer alerts, and progress updates (no push notifications are sent from external servers)
To display widgets and Live Activities: Show patching progress on your home screen and Dynamic Island
To sync data across devices: If you enable iCloud Sync, synchronize your data across your family's devices
To respond to your feedback: Address questions and support requests
To generate reports: Create exportable summaries for sharing with healthcare providers

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Where Data is Stored

Local Storage: Data is stored on your device using iOS UserDefaults
iCloud Storage: If you enable iCloud Sync, data is stored using Apple's CloudKit public database, keyed to your unique profile code
App Groups: Minimal data is shared between the main app and the home screen widget via a shared App Group container
Temporary Files: Export files (CSV, PDF, text reports) are temporarily created for sharing and cleaned up by the system

4.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Encryption in transit: All data transmitted to iCloud is encrypted using HTTPS
Encryption at rest: iOS automatically encrypts data stored on your device
Apple's security: iCloud data is protected by Apple's security infrastructure
Minimal third-party data: Only anonymous usage signals are sent to TelemetryDeck; no personal data leaves your device

4.3 Family Sharing

PatchPal allows multiple family members to collaborate on tracking a child's patching. Family members join by entering a 6-character profile code. All family members with the code have equal access to the child's patching data, sessions, and encouragement messages. Please share your profile code only with trusted family members or caretakers.

4.4 Data Sharing

We do NOT sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your data remains private and is only used as described in this policy.

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Apple Services

PatchPal uses the following Apple services:

iCloud/CloudKit: Used for data synchronization across your family's devices. Data is stored in Apple's CloudKit and is subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.
StoreKit: Used for processing in-app purchases. Payment information is handled entirely by Apple and is subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.

5.2 Analytics

PatchPal uses TelemetryDeck for privacy-friendly, anonymous usage analytics. TelemetryDeck is designed to be fully compliant with GDPR, COPPA, and other privacy regulations. Here is what you should know:

No personal data is collected: TelemetryDeck does not collect names, email addresses, device IDs, IP addresses, or any other personally identifiable information
Anonymous signals only: We track anonymous, aggregate usage patterns (e.g., which features are used, session counts) to improve the app
No advertising or tracking: Data is never used for advertising, profiling, or cross-app tracking
No cookies: TelemetryDeck does not use cookies or advertising identifiers
Data processing: TelemetryDeck processes data in the European Union. For more details, see TelemetryDeck's Privacy Policy

5.3 Crash Reporting

PatchPal includes an optional, user-initiated crash reporting feature. If the app encounters an unexpected error, a crash report may be saved locally on your device. This report includes:

Error details and stack trace (technical debugging information)
App version and build number
iOS version and device model
Date and time of the crash

Crash reports are never sent automatically. You may choose to submit a crash report via Settings to help us improve the app. No personal data is included in crash reports.

6. Notifications

PatchPal uses local notifications only (generated on your device). No push notifications are sent from external servers. Notification types include:

Daily patching reminders at your chosen time
Timer alerts (start, pause, resume, completion)
10-minute warning before session ends
Progress milestone updates

You can manage notification permissions in your device's Settings at any time.

7. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

PatchPal is designed for use by families tracking children's eye patching time. We take children's privacy seriously and comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):

Minimal data collection: We only collect data necessary for app functionality
No behavioral advertising: We do not use data for advertising purposes
Privacy-safe analytics only: We use TelemetryDeck, which collects only anonymous, aggregate usage data with no personal identifiers
Parental control: Parents can delete all local data at any time using the "Reset Account" feature in Settings
No data sharing: We do not share children's data with third parties
Data retention: Data is retained only as long as you use the app

If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your data:

Right to Access: You can view all data stored in the app at any time
Right to Export: You can export your data as a CSV file, PDF doctor report, or text summary (available in Settings → Export Data)
Right to Delete: You can delete all local data at any time using "Reset Account" in Settings. Note that iCloud data must be separately managed via your iCloud settings.
Right to Opt-Out: You can disable iCloud Sync or delete the app at any time
Right to Correction: You can update your information at any time through the app settings

To exercise any of these rights, use the features available in the app or contact us using the information provided below.

9. Data Retention

Active use: Data is retained as long as you use the app
Account reset: If you use "Reset Account," all local data is immediately deleted. iCloud data remains in CloudKit and must be managed separately via your iCloud settings.
App deletion: If you delete the app, all local data is removed from your device
iCloud data: iCloud data can be managed from your device's iCloud storage settings

10. International Data Transfers

If you enable iCloud Sync, your data may be stored on Apple's servers, which may be located outside your country of residence. Apple's data centers are subject to Apple's privacy and security standards.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
Posting a notice in the app (if significant changes occur)

Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Medical Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: PatchPal is a tracking and management tool for eye patching time. It is NOT a medical device and does NOT provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

PatchPal is for informational and tracking purposes only
It is not a substitute for professional medical advice
Always consult with qualified healthcare providers regarding eye patching treatment
Do not use PatchPal to diagnose or treat medical conditions
We are not responsible for any medical decisions made based on app data

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: patchpalfeedback@gmail.com
Through the App: Settings → Support & Feedback → Send Feedback

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.

14. Your Consent

By using PatchPal, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the App.

This Privacy Policy applies only to the PatchPal mobile application. It does not apply to any third-party websites or services that may be linked from the app.