Optical Express has suspended an optometrist who incorrectly told an undercover reporter working for the BBC’s Inside Out West programme that laser eye surgery was mandatory for RAF pilots.
John Margetts, who works at the multiple’s Bristol branch, was alleged to have told the reporter that there was a requirement to have laser eye surgery to match the complex pilot visor systems used by the RAF. He was also asked if the laser eye surgery procedure was 100 per cent safe and was alleged to have told the reporter, ‘Oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah.’
‘We understand the BBC programme has the potential to cause concern among patients. The optometrist featured in the programme has acknowledged that his comments were incorrect. He has written personally to the BBC to point this out. The optometrist has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings arising from the content shown on the programme. We cannot comment further on this at this point in time,’ said a spokesperson for Optical Express.
According to the BBC, Margetts said he must have "misheard" the question about whether the treatment was 100 per cent safe. He added that he always explained the potential risks of the procedure.
Optical Express said the undercover reporter did not complete its informed consent process, which would have included an examination and careful discussion with the surgeon, as well as confirming in person and in writing that all risks had been explained and understood.
‘The full informed consent process is clearly outlined on our website. We recommend to patients that they meet with their surgeon prior to the day of surgery and give every patient the opportunity to do so. This process exceeds the standards set out by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists,’ added the multiple.
