Most optical professionals were found to be of patient, caring and relaxed character at a colourful Independents Day.
In a poll by behavioural psychologist Andy Edwards at the event, 40 per cent of eye care workers viewed themselves as patient - symbolised by the colour green.
Meanwhile, 24 per cent considered themselves of 'yellow' character, meaning they were sociable and dynamic, with 23 per cent red, or competitive, demanding and determined.
This left 13 per cent opting for the blue typology, meaning they were cautious, precise and deliberate.
'We are a mixture of all four really, and forming good relations is about valuing those differences,' Edwards said.
Polling was carried out using electronic keypads at the event. Further results showed 32 per cent of practices were delivering training once a month, with 22 per cent once a quarter, 26 per cent every six months and 20 per cent once a year.
When it came to sales techniques, 5 per cent of voters said that selling made them feel 'horribly awkward', while 41 per per cent felt reasonably confident, 37 per cent 'loved it' and the rest viewed it as a necessary evil.