The Discipline Committee held a penalty hearing for an optometrist found to have committed professional misconduct by failing to identify a serious eye condition and making inappropriate comments to a patient.
The College sought a reprimand, a two-month suspension, practice coaching, and costs, citing the member's extensive prior disciplinary history and lack of insight.
The member argued no penalty was warranted.
The Panel ordered a reprimand, a two-month suspension, practice coaching, a practice inspection, completion of an ethics course, and $50,000 in costs, emphasizing the need for specific deterrence and public protection.
