GOC erases Swansea based dispensing optician from register

The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to erase James Rees, a dispensing optician based in Swansea, from its register. 

A GOC Fitness to Practise Committee found his fitness to practise impaired by reason of conviction. On 6 September 2024, the registrant was convicted at Edinburgh High Court of four counts of rape, two counts of stalking, one count of sexual assault and one count of abusive behaviour. On 19 November 2024, the Court imposed a total sentence of 12 years comprising a custodial period of nine years with an extension period of three years.

James Rees has until 31 March 2026 to appeal against his erasure, during which time he is under an immediate suspension order.