GOC lifts student suspension

The General Optical Council has revoked its 18-month interim suspension of student dispensing optician Lyndon Clarke.

He had been suspended following three convictions between 2005 and 2009, a GOC fitness to practise committee was told in a private review hearing.

The committee, however, decided there was no longer any basis for continuing Clarke's suspension, which had been in place since March 2010 and was reviewed in September 2010 and February 2011.

It said the convictions related to a 'difficult and disruptive personal relationship' which had long ceased.

The GOC added that its investigation committee would now consider whether the facts justified referral to a fitness to practise hearing, saying its decision would be taken on 'different criteria'.