DO faces trial in October

Hastings dispensing optician Iqbal Nabi who has been suspended by the GOC for testing eyes while not qualified (08.01.11) pleaded not guilty to fraud at Lewes Crown Court on Friday July 8.

Ophthalmic medical practitioner Dr Helen James who worked at the New Global Vision practice in Hastings, pleaded guilty. This followed a joint police and NHS Counter Fraud Service investigation which uncovered allegedly fraudulent NHS-funded sight tests between January and October 2009.

A spokesperson for NHS Protect said: 'As a result of Mr Nabi's not guilty plea, there will be a two-week trial commencing Monday October 17 at Lewes Crown Court. Dr James was not sentenced, as she must be sentenced by the same judge that hears the case for Mr Nabi, as they were jointly charged.'