An optometrist has been fined £1,250 having been found guilty of misconduct by sending three letters described as 'obscene, homophobic and spiteful' to a former patient, pretending that one had been sent by another patient, a JP.
The Committee found that the fitness of Edinburgh-based Edward John Elgar Hopkins to practise was impaired, but accepted that he had a previously unblemished record of some 30 years and there had been no repetition of behaviour that might be a cause of concern. He had admitted the allegation and the misconduct which happened three years ago.
It said that the misconduct admitted was very serious and there were a number of aggravating factors, the case involving two former patients, one of whom had made a recent complaint against Hopkins. 'Patients should be able to make a complaint without fear of reprisal.'
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