Search the Site
Promoting good eye care,
protecting the public
Main Menu
Who are you?
The investigation process
This page explains the key steps in our investigation process.
Receive complaint
We acknowledge completed investigation forms upon receipt.
Gather evidence
We have to gather more information and evidence about the complaint. This might include obtaining the patient’s relevant clinical records from an optometrist, dispensing optician or hospital. The person making the complaint must give permission, except where someone else is responsible for looking after the patient’s affairs (for example, if the patient is under 18).
Inform the registrant
The person against whom the complaint is made is informed of it and the evidence we have gathered. They are invited to make ‘representations’ - usually a letter from the registrant commenting on the allegation and raising matters in their defence.
Witness statements
Our solicitors consider the representations together with the original allegation. Where necessary we contact the person making the allegation to prepare a witness statement.
Investigation Committee
All the evidence is forwarded to our Investigation Committee for consideration. They then decide what course of action is most appropriate. The Committee can:
- take no further action
- direct further investigation (assessment of the registrant’s health, performance)
- refer the allegation to our Fitness to Practise Committee for a full inquiry. This may result in a full hearing.
Full hearing
Information about our hearings process is in the hearings section.
Each stage of the investigation process is also outlined in our process flowchart.