Newport News, Va. - A Newport News woman faces multiple charges after allegedly claiming to be an optometrist and seeing patients at a local eye shop.
26-year-old Christine Lee Kim has been charged with one count of embezzlement and three counts each of forging prescriptions, unlawful practice of optometry and practicing a profession without having a valid license.
The owner of N2 Eyes Comprehensive Optometry, Inc. contacted police on August 12th over a theft that was discovered during an inventory.
Kim allegedly stole over fifty pairs of glasses and sunglasses, according to police. During the investigation, police also found evidence that Kim had fraudulently written prescriptions and had presented herself as a doctor or licensed optometrist and had seen patients after hours without the owner’s knowledge.
Detectives determined that Kim is not a doctor and does not have any medical certifications or formal medical education.
Kim, who was being held at the Newport News City Jail on unrelated charges, was charged on November 8th.
The owner of N2 Eyes Comprehensive Optometry has been cooperating with detectives. At this time it does not appear that any patient records were compromised.
Kim's boss, Dr. Nathalie Cassis told NewsChannel 3 Kim was her best employee and that she and the others who worked in the office felt completely betrayed.
"She was an awesome employee, that's why it's devastating," Cassis said. "We were devastated, shocked and angry to figure out we had ben duped for 4 years."
Kim is in jail without bond. Her next court date is scheduled in January.
Anyone with information regarding this case, including patients that may have been seen by the suspect is asked to call Detective Emily Benson at the Department’s Central Precinct (757) 591-4978.
