Dispensing optician erased after fraud

A General Optical Council fitness to practise committee has erased dispensing optician Amanda Al-Hassani from its registers after it heard that she made fraudulent transfers and attempted transfers of company funds into her personal bank account.

The committee alleged that Al-Hassani transferred approximately £825 into a personal bank account in September 2013 and attempted to transfer a further £455 in October 2013. It was further alleged that she failed to inform company directors about a letter from Elavon financial services about the fraudulent activity.

In making its decision, the committee, chaired by Margaret Hallendorff MBE, said:  ‘The conduct amounted to a serious breach of trust by the registrant who was a senior member of staff in the company’s employ. The Committee has no doubt that such conduct is deplorable and reaches the threshold for misconduct.’