Optometrist answers to care complaint

A conditional registration has been imposed on optometrist Mark Walker by a GOC fitness to practise committee.

The daughter of a care home resident made a series of complaints about Walker, saying his domiciliary sight test was of a poor standard, the prescription was incorrect, a copy of the Rx was not provided and that the spectacles were not fitted.

She also alleged Walker had failed to deal with her complaint properly and that he was 'profiteering' from elderly patients.

An assessment by two experts found the registrant treated his elderly and vulnerable patients with 'respect, patience and kindness', while his communication, demeanour and patient handling were described as excellent. However, their report also made criticisms including sight tests lacking routine and a lack of accuracy in assessments.