Optometrist struck off after admitting theft

A Kent optometrist who stole over £1,500-worth of equipment and sunglasses from his employers and then sold them on eBay after becoming 'addicted' to the internet auction site has been struck off.

A GOC fitness to practise panel heard that Sanjit Singh Bansal, 36, of Aylesford, Kent, who was working for Niall O'Kane Optometrists of 78-80 High Street, Strood, Kent, had initially claimed that he was the victim of identity fraud.

However, the panel were told at last Friday's hearing in London that at Maidstone Crown Court in September 2006, Bansal had admitted theft between June and November 2005. On October 20 2006 he was given 200 hours community punishment and told to pay £1,510 compensation and £560 costs.