Student dispensing optician warned over failure to disclose offences

Student dispensing optician Rebecca Ridgewell has been given a two-year warning by a General Optical Council fitness to practise committee for failing to disclose a 12-month conditional discharge for common assault and a caution for the same offence.

The committee heard that Ridgewell received the conditional discharge in January 2013 and the caution in July 2005. It alleged that neither was declared to the GOC, despite the registrant being aware that she needed to do so.

The registrant told the committee that she understood her duty to declare the caution, but said at the time she was not aware that she had in fact received one. The committee said Ridgwell was credible and found her evidence to be credible. It also noted she had demonstrated insight into her failings.