News in brief

in brief

The General Optical Council's leaflet Check your optician is registered is now available from information stands in 7,000 GP surgeries and 1,200 pharmacies across the UK. The leaflet discusses why it is important to have regular sight tests, and how the GOC assures the health and protection of those who use the services of optometrists and dispensing opticians. A companion leaflet entitled What to expect from your optician sets out the professional standards of behaviour, expertise and conduct to which its registrants adhere. Both leaflets are available to order online from Leaflets2You free of charge.

A GOC fitness to practise committee reviewed an 18-month interim suspension order for optometrist Stephen Kimberley on February 17. Kimberly had been charged with making and possessing indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children. He pleaded guilty in court to one charge involving video images said to be of level 4 on the Oliver scale. The committee ordered his registration to be suspended for the rest of the 18-month period and will be reviewed in six months.