OO promises to make a fresh start

An optometrist was restored to the Opticians Register this week after he told a registration appeals panel that he is committed to a fresh start.

Nottingham-based Robert Matthew Thompson, who forged NHS forms to improve his domiciliary returns, was struck off last year following Crown Court proceedings in 2004 at which he pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £7,000 from the NHS for home sight tests.

He was told by the GOC's registration appeals committee that the shame and humiliation he suffered along with criminal proceedings he had to face was a 'salutary reminder' to all in the profession.

Margaret Hallendorff, chair of the committee, told him: 'Without diminishing the seriousness of these offences we were mindful of the fact that he had not committed them for financial gain, and that he was plainly deeply shocked by his appearance at the Crown Court which had caused him to address the issues which led to these crimes being committed.

'We consider that this man's appearance before the Crown Court and erasure from the register with its consequent shame and humiliation is a salutary reminder to any member of the profession who might consider behaving in a like manner.'

In 2004 Thompson pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on 12 specimen charges of false accounting, and was given a 100-hour community punishment sentence. In addition he was ordered to pay £2,250 towards prosecution costs, £250 to the Department of Works & Pensions and a further £2,000 to the investigating local authority.

He told this week's hearing that he had learned his lesson.

'I have suffered the consequences of my actions and learned from my experiences. My motive wasn't financial gain - I did not fully understand.

'I have learnt from the events which led to my erasure and taken steps by studying. I am committed to a fresh start. I am very sorry.'

He added that his former employers wanted him to return to work for them as soon as he could.