The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched a new campaign against racism and other forms of discrimination in optics in response to the findings of a survey on equality, diversity and inclusion.
The survey, in which 1,105 AOP members took part, found that one in four optometrists have experienced or witnessed some form of abuse in the past two years.
With the 100% Respect campaign, the AOP has asked those working in optics to take a pledge to stand against all forms of discrimination and encourage colleagues to do the same in order to create inclusive workplaces.
Alongside the pledge, business and franchise owners could further demonstrate their commitment by signing up to the AOP’s leaders’ commitments to inclusion, which were designed to foster healthy and safe practice environments.
Adam Sampson, chief executive at the AOP, said: ‘The stark reality of this survey is that, for many eye care professionals across the UK, discrimination is commonplace in daily practice, and this needs to be tackled head on. The data and personal accounts our members have shared in the survey are deeply troubling – revealing abhorrent examples of racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.
‘Optometrists and every member of the optical team should be able to do their job without having to face or worry about abuse and discrimination at work. It is simply unacceptable that we’re hearing these kinds of experiences and it is clearly not an issue that is going away without decisive action. We have a duty of care, as do the employers in the sector, to address the problem for those who have or are currently experiencing discrimination at work, so these behaviours and cultures do not continue.’
Optometrist Farah Topia (pictured below), optometrist and clinical adviser at the AOP and member of its Anti-Racism and Equality Team, said: ‘It’s sad to see that discrimination is prevalent in the optometric workplace. We know from our research that many people feel unable to speak out, but it’s important that every employee feels able to talk about what they’ve experienced and seek advice. This is why we’re using our position, as the leading representative organisation for optometrists, to support our members in this area and create change through our guidance, employment services and campaigning.’
To support the campaign, the AOP’s legal and employment team produced a suite of resources that promote inclusivity for employers and employees. The resources included separate guidance for employees and employers, an explanation of laws and regulation relating to equality, and social media assets to help share the message.
AOP members who have faced discrimination can access emotional and practical support from the organisation’s Anti-Racism and Equality Team while the AOP Peer Support Line, a confidential, free-phone helpline, is available to members and non-members alike.
Top takeaways from the AOP’s equality, diversity and inclusion survey
- One in four optometrists experienced or witnessed discrimination at work in the last two years.
- 58% of those who had experienced or witnessed discrimination said they did not report the incident.
- Of those who had experienced discrimination, 80% said it was ‘perpetrated by patients’; 37% said they had suffered abuse from colleagues and 36% attributed the behaviour to managers.
- Almost half (44%) of optometrists said they felt unable to report discrimination because they were either unsupported by management or had experienced negative consequences of reporting discrimination in the past, while 18% felt unsafe to do so.
- Respondents experienced racial discrimination more than any other form (60%) at work; 36% also reported incidents relating to religion; 35% in relation to sexism and 33% in relation to their age. In 7% of cases, discrimination related to disability and the same amount, in relation to pregnancy.
- Other forms of discrimination reported included being married or in a civil partnership (4%) sexual orientation (4%) and gender reassignment (2%).
- A total of 28% considered leaving the profession, or had left their job, because of discrimination they had experienced.
- In the survey, over half (54%) called for the AOP to work with employers to address equality, diversity and inclusion issues and 51% asked that more guidance and support is provided.
- For more information visit aop.org.uk/respect
