Optometrist Susan Heyes to face no misconduct sanctions over drink driving, rules GOC

An optometrist found guilty of drink driving has been told by a GOC fitness to practise committee she will face no misconduct sanctions.

Susan Heyes was found guilty of drink driving in April 2012. The committee heard that Heyes had been attending a party the evening before the morning the offence occurred and rushed to work after being woken by a phone call from a colleague asking where she was. The panel alleged that Heyes intended to see patients while she was aware she was under the influence of alcohol.

The committee said Heyes, despite feeling ‘jaded’ on the morning of the accident, was only aware of the fact she was under the influence of alcohol when breathalysed at the scene and ruled her fitness to practise was not impaired.