GOC Registration Appeal

This was an appeal by a student Optometrist who had been removed from the GOC student register due to failing to renew her registration within the deadline. In her application for restoration, she submitted a signed witness statement (by previous solicitors) stating that she had not received the emails from the GOC regarding her renewal. However, investigations at the GOC revealed that she had received and read these emails, and she had to subsequently accept that she lied to her previous solicitors, her employers and the GOC. Her application for restoration was refused due to the level of her dishonesty.

This was a particularly difficult case in light of the extent of the dishonesty; however, we advised the client on a number of courses, a detailed reflection and prepared a detailed witness statement as well as testimonials from her employer, who had, despite the dishonesty, kept her on as an optical assistant. Considering all of this, her appeal was allowed.

The client wrote:

“I would just like to thank you so much for all of your help over the past year. I do not think this would have gone as well as it did if I had not had your support and guidance. I really appreciate everything you did to assist me.”

If you’re facing issues with GOC registration, need to make a GOC appeal, or are dealing with concerns around GOC fitness to practise, our experienced Defence Lawyers for Opticians can help. We have extensive experience supporting professionals through GOC review hearings and restoring registration after removal. Contact us today.