Optometrist lied, finds GOC

Former Swindon-based optometrist Aly-Hussain Jiwa has been suspended from General Optical Council registers for six months after a fitness to practise committee heard he lied about his eligibility to work in the UK.

In making its decision, the committee, chaired by Pamela Ormerod, said: ‘The registrant’s conduct in working illegally was directly linked to his professional practice. His conduct fell far short of the standards of an optometrist and damages the reputation of the profession.

‘In the committee’s judgment, suspension is the appropriate sanction. A period of six months is sufficient to mark the seriousness of the misconduct and adequately protect the public interest. The committee did consider erasure, but determined that this was not necessary or proportionate and would be excessive in all the circumstances.’