Research sheds light on abuse and harassment in optics

Concerning findings on the scale of bullying, harassment and discrimination experienced by optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians in the work have been highlighted in the optical regulator’s annual Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey 2023. 

More than forty percent (41%) of survey respondents reported having experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse at work in the last 12 months from patients and service users, their relatives, or other members of the public.  

The same question was in an NHS staff survey in 2022, with a considerably lower figure of 28% reporting harassment or abuse in their places of work. 

When it came to having experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse from managers, a smaller proportion of 18% said they had been subjected to that treatment, with 16% reporting similar experiences from other colleagues.