GOC suspends two Birmingham based student optometrists from register

The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to suspend Hadiqa Ali and Azhar Mahmood, two student optometrists based in Birmingham, from its register for three months and six months respectively.

A GOC Fitness to Practise Committee found their fitness to train impaired by reason of misconduct.

In the case of Ms Ali, this is in relation to fabricating a record of a contact lens fit on behalf of Mr Mahmood.  In the case of Mr Mahmood, this is in relation to planning to present a clinical record knowing that it had been fabricated by Ms Ali on his request. The Committee found these actions to be dishonest.

Ms Ali and Mr Mahmood have until 26 July 2024 to appeal against their suspensions.