GOC suspends Skegness-based optometrist from register
The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to suspend Michael Beard, an optometrist based in Skegness, from its register for nine months.
A GOC Fitness to Practise Committee found his fitness to practise impaired on public protection grounds. This related to a number of record-keeping failures and clinical failings concerning the identification and management of ocular disease in multiple patients between October 2022 and January 2025.
Mr Beard has until 30 September 2026 to appeal against his suspension, during which time he is under an immediate suspension order.
