Optometrists are medical doctors that examine and treat patients that have problems with eyesight and the visual system of the body. This type of medical care is extremely vital for the health and welfare of the community because these doctors are essential to providing procedures, prescribing lenses and glasses, and solving problems for patients that have trouble with eyesight. Unfortunately, professionals in this type of healthcare can face backlash and allegations from clients and patients that are unhappy with their care. Optometrists can face allegations about their medical abilities and care and even against their character. These allegations could affect an optometrists profession and livelihood and threaten one’s ability to provide for themselves and families. You can learn more about optometry license defense on this page.
The Board of Examiners for Optometrists
The Board of Examiners for Optometrists and the Department of Public Health regulate optometrists and their practices in Connecticut. When the Board receives a complaint against an optometrist, it is the Board’s job to review and investigate the allegations. There are many different types of allegations that could have to do with the medical care that the complainant received or with the optometrist’s personal character. Some of these allegations could include:
Abusive or Negligent Prescriptions
Advertising with False or Misleading Content
Practicing Medicine with an Expired or Faulty Optometrist License
Falsifying Records or Financial Statements
Fraud, Theft, or Dishonesty
Incompetence with Medical Care
Negligence or Gross Negligence
Revealing Confidential Information
The important thing to remember is that even if allegations are made against an optometrist, the Board cannot blindly agree with the allegations without review and investigation. Many times, the allegations cannot be substantiated by evidence or the conduct simply does not rise to the level of misconduct that permits discipline.
Other times, the allegations are substantiated, and in this case, the Board will then notify the license holder of the allegations and possible disciplinary action. In some cases, the Board could refer the allegations to the Superior Court for prosecution and in other cases, the Board will handle the allegations internally and hold its own hearing.
If the Board chooses to move forward with the allegations internally, there will generally be some kind of conference that will give the Board and the optometrist a chance to discuss the allegations and possible settlement agreements. If no resolution can be reached, the optometrist will get the opportunity for a more formal hearing, where the optometrist can present a defense to the allegations, and have the right to appeal the case as well.
Getting Help
Any optometrist that is facing allegations or disciplinary action from the Board should reach out to counsel and consult with an attorney before proceeding with a hearing or settlement. The Board may use confusing language or even advise the licensee to do something, but the licensee should seek out the counsel of an unbiased party before making any decisions. The Board’s interests are in the public welfare and safety and its priority is not the best interests or reputation of the optometrist. If you have been put on notice that the Board is looking into allegations against you or are moving forward with allegations, call our office to speak with an attorney that can help you.