GOC suspends Bolton based dispensing optician from register

The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to suspend Suleman Patel, a dispensing optician based in Bolton, from its register for nine months. 

A GOC Fitness to Practise Committee found his fitness to practise impaired by reason of misconduct. This is in relation to allowing a supplier to charge false and/or grossly inflated prices for goods, and placing orders for unnecessary stock, in order to secure vouchers for his personal gain, as well as knowingly misrepresenting personal expenditure as legitimate business expenditure. The Committee found these actions to be dishonest. During the time of this case, Mr Patel was engaged in the operation and management of a Specsavers store.

Mr Patel has until 2 February 2024 to appeal against his suspension.