GOC refuses to restore convicted optometrist

An optometrist who was convicted of false accounting five years ago has been refused restoration to the General Optical Council register.

Jayesh Patel was erased from the register of optometrists in April 2009 and the GOC's registration appeals committee refused restoration 'on this occasion' saying it would undermine public confidence in the profession.

The committee heard how Patel had admitted 20 counts of false accounting and two counts of using a false instrument in December 2007. He received a suspended custodial sentence of nine months and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service, repay the stolen monies and make a contribution towards costs.