DO suspended for failing to declare drink-driving

The General Optical Council suspended Cardiff-based dispensing optician Bethan John from its register for 12 months after her fitness to practice was impaired by reason of misconduct due to an undeclared conviction. 

A Fitness to Practise Committee found John’s actions dishonest after failing to declare her conviction, across four years, of driving under the influence. The Committee found this in breach of the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (2016) and made an immediate order to ensure protection of the public.  

A review will be held between four and six weeks prior to the 12-month suspension expiration to ensure the registrant meets its sanction criteria.