Fake optometrist convicted a second time

Anthony Patrick Cashman pleaded guilty to six separate charges in the Magistrates Court of Western Australia related to holding himself out and claiming to be a registered optometrist when he was not, and also unlawfully prescribing optical appliances.During proceedings, Cashman admitted to working at an optometry practice in Perth between February and April 2016. He was previously convicted of similar offences in WA in August 2015.During the most recent three-month period, Cashman conducted optometry examinations on at least 122 occasions and prescribed optical appliances to patients at least 98 times.The presiding magistrate said that the offending was serious given the proximity in time to his previous convictions, and the fact that he knew he was not registered under the National Law and therefore not permitted to represent himself nor work as a registered optometrist. Furthermore, his culpability was amplified as the practice where he had worked suffered financial loss as a result of his offending.In sentencing, the magistrate took into account Cashman’s rorse, early guilty plea and submission that at the time of the offending, he was experiencing personal difficulties which contributed to the way he approached matters in life.Aside from the $18,000 fine, Cashman was also ordered to pay $2,865 in costs to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which prosecuted the case.Following the verdict, AHPRA released a statent rinding consumers of the importance of ensuring they did not receive treatment from unregistered individuals.Anyone concerned about an individual potentially practicing without the appropriate registration is encouraged to call 1300 419 495.