Optometrist faces year's suspension

A Kent-based optometrist faces suspension from practice for 12 months following an interim order made by the GOC.

The GOC was told that the suspension of Simon Morelli by Shepway NHS Trust followed expert reports in a 'performance review' relating to him.

Bradley Albuery, for the GOC, told a hearing last Friday (February 24) that Morelli was removed from the register on March 21 2002. That followed a finding of serious professional misconduct in relation to 'domiciliary visits and dishonesty'.

He was restored in January 2003 and readmitted to the Shepway NHS Trust ophthalmic list but remained 'subject to conditions' relating to his right to practise.

However, last week's hearing was told that all claims made by him would have to be checked by the Kent Primary Care Agency, and that he would have to undergo performance reviews, not undertake domiciliary work and not own his own business.

Albuery said reports were carried out in 2004 and 2005. 'The Trust had concerns over these reports but wanted to be sure they were not setting too high standards and wanted another optometrist to do a review.'

He said there were allegations against Morelli of 'inappropriate referrals or incomplete and inadequate eye examinations for 11 patients'.

Committee chair Margaret Hallendorff said: 'We are sure on the evidence put before us that it is necessary for patient safety, protection of the public and confidence in the profession that the registrant be suspended.

'Such an order is proportionate to the seriousness of what has been put before us and which, if proved, will show inaccurate and unreliable record keeping and claims to undertake tests which could not have been carried out despite a number of reviews and a period of retraining.

'Therefore the committee ordered that the registrant's registration shall be suspended for a period of 12 months.'