HHS OCR report · 2021
University of Houston College of Optometry data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- University of Houston College of Optometry
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Texas
- Individuals affected
- 18,500
- Submission date
- Nov 12, 2021
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Network Server
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), University of Houston College of Optometry, reported that it was the victim of a ransomware attack affecting the protected health information (PHI) of 18,500 individuals. The PHI involved included names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, claims information, diagnoses, and other treatment information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and provided substitute notice. In response to the breach the CE impleme...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the University of Houston College of Optometry data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 18,500 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Nov 12, 2021.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, with the breached information located in: Network Server.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from University of Houston College of Optometry legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or University of Houston College of Optometry.