Perth-based optometrist Mary Docherty has been suspended for 12 months by a General Optical Council fitness to practise committee after a panel heard she failed to conduct essential ocular examinations and did not keep accurate records over a period of six years.
Docherty was reported to the NHS by a whistle-blower who was concerned about the care of nine patients. The General Ophthalmic Services Performance Review Group (PRG) investigated the records and found concerns in eight out the nine cases. A wider PRG review of 60 patient records found ‘multiple incidents of inadequate patient management, some potentially resulting in long term harm.’
In July 2020, Docherty informed the GOC that she had taken up a new career as a celebrant and was no longer working as an optometrist. She agreed not to apply for registration in the future.