GOC strikes off DO following NHS fraud case

Dispensing optician Ronald James Preedy from Wallington in Surrey has been erased from the register of dispensing opticians by a fitness to practise committee of the General Optical Council.

Preedy had already been convicted of defrauding the NHS of £50,000 to £65,000 (News 20.04.07) by routinely carrying out sight tests and claiming fees from health trusts including Bromley, Croydon and Kingston PCTs.

According to the GOC, his business, Preedy Family Opticians domiciliary service, served a number of care homes and day care centres in south-east England. It stated that most of the patients involved were elderly and potentially vulnerable.

The GOC alleged Preedy had tested the sight of patients while not registered as an optometrist, an ophthalmic medical practitioner, a medical student or a student optometrist.