Optometrist suspended after patient record dishonesty

Falkirk-based optometrist Lesley-Anne McCue has been suspended for 12 months by a General Optical Council fitness to practise committee after it ruled she was guilty of misconduct for dishonestly amending patient records.

In making its decision, the committee, chaired by James Kellock, said: ‘The committee considered that the dishonest alteration of patient records is a very serious matter. It determined this is a significant departure from the standards of conduct and behaviour expected of a registrant and amounts to misconduct and that the public interest requires a finding of impairment be made in this case.’

The fitness to practice panel said it was satisfied that McCue had shown insight into the circumstances leading up the allegation, her own actions and the dishonesty shown. It also noted that it was a single incident in a career spanning over 23 years.