Optometrist Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

PITTSBURGH -- A resident of Hazelet, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Dr. Vincent J. Gamuzza, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, Gamuzza, a doctor of optometry, admitted that he operated multiple vision centers in Pennsylvania, including Western Pennsylvania, and in New Jersey. Gamuzza further admitted that he was responsible for handling all billing to insurance companies, including Highmark Inc. and Davis Vision. As part of his plea, Gamuzza admitted that between in or around December 2015 and July 2016, he submitted fraudulent claims to Highmark Inc. for services that were never provided to patients. He also admitted that he impermissibly submitted claims for the same services to both Highmark, Inc. and Davis Vision.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Robert S. Cessar and Eric G. Olshan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services -- Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Defense -- Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation of Gamuzza.