Working as an optometrist features in a latest list of 25 highest paid but lowest stress occupations compiled by US publication Business Insider.
‘Perform eye tests’, ‘check for vision problems and disease’ and ‘prescribe eye glasses or contact lenses’ were among the duties noted.
Taken in isolation, these tasks sound manageable. But in combination with owning a practice, meeting targets or managing a team, the role of the optometrist can be a pressurised one.
Indeed, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) last week announced a new peer support helpline for those struggling with stress or anxiety, after feedback from its members that such a service was required.
Run by volunteers, the AOP peer support line was described as ‘a listening service for qualified optometrists, dispensing opticians and students’. In addition to
stress, callers will also be able to confidentially discuss workplace pressure, bullying, ill health, financial worries, bereavement or anxiety about exams, an AOP statement said.
The volunteers will not provide advice but ‘listen empathetically’ and, where appropriate, signpost callers to third parties for practical advice and information.
Chairwoman of the AOP’s peer support line, Thurka Sivapalan, said: ‘Stress can have a profound effect on someone’s day-to-day life and presents itself in many forms and for a variety of reasons.
‘Often the first steps to managing an issue is talking about it, but for those who are finding it hard to ask for help, or feel they will be burdening their family and friends it can be difficult to know where to turn. Having access to a service like this, to talk through issues, can be an absolute lifeline.’
But how much of an issue is stress in the profession and what else is the profession doing to help diagnose the often hidden threat of anxiety?
Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, told Optician the commercial element of high street practice can introduce added pressure to working life for optometrists.
She said: ‘We, as registered professionals, have to comply with our professional responsibility and patients must come first. Therefore, it can be a challenge to balance your professional values with the commercial environment of work.
‘The College of Optometrists’ guidance states that if leading a team at work, managers should encourage the open discussion of any problems that arise. Patients are always the priority. Wherever you are working, your overall responsibility will be to them.’
The College already has a clinical advice helpline, answered by Blakeney and fellow clinical advisor Daniel Hardiman-McCartney during office hours.
She added: ‘We don’t only provide clinical advice, we get enquiries about a whole range of things. People often just need reassurance they are doing the right thing.
‘We both work in practice so are aware of the problems optometrists face and can give tips to help.
‘If you manage people you should remember that what happens in their private lives may impact upon their work, and so encouraging a supportive environment can help. It is in nobody’s interests for clinicians to be stressed because this can lead to mistakes and possibly even complaints.’
He said: ‘Practising as an optometrist or dispensing optician can be incredibly rewarding. Being provided with an opportunity to build rapport with your patients and do your best to provide high levels of eye care puts practitioners in a very privileged position.
‘That’s not to say the job cannot be stressful at times, particularly when working in a very busy practice or caring for patients with complex needs. Also, working with the public can, on occasions, be demanding and practitioners need to develop their own strategies which allow them to put that last “difficult” patient behind them prior to beginning their next consultation.
‘However, in my opinion, practitioners working in community optometric practices have a less stressful working environment than other health care professionals, for example GPs or those working in NHS hospitals.’
He also noted that ECPs tend to work more sociable hours and are usually able to switch off in the evening after their last appointment.
Nevertheless, as high street practices take on more eye health services and face an added threat of litigation as evidenced by the high profile Honey Rose verdict last year, the load upon optometrists’ shoulders is getting heavier.
Dr Best added: ‘The Honey Rose case reminded all practitioners of the potential pitfalls associated with providing a sub-standard level of care and I’m sure has been a source of anxiety for some. However, by maintaining and developing their skill sets and always acting in their patients’ best interests, practitioners can significantly reduce the likelihood of any patient raising a concern about the care received.’
Finance can be stressful, says independent
Deepak Oberai (pictured left). Optometrist and director of Albert Road Opticians, Wilmslow
In comparison to other professions optometry does not seem to be a high stress job. As a business owner and optometrist the most stressful part is balancing clinical excellence with financial benefits. For this to reduce optometrists need to be remunerated for time spent with patients rather than sale of eyewear, which unfortunately is not going to happen.
My current support mechanism exists informally between colleagues and friends within or outside the profession. The helpline may help optical professionals seek advice on clinical aspects. However, for emotional, financial or anxiety-related help I think the AOP needs to work with experts in this area rather than fellow eye care professionals. I suspect due to the wide nature of advice the success rate may be diminished.
Employer support towards stress would vary significantly from the independent sector to the multiples. If an employer works closely with staff they are more likely to identify stress and hence be more supportive. However, if management works in a hierarchy, this may be more challenging.
Signs of stress may include lack of punctuality, day dreaming, reduced enthusiasm, and emotional breakdowns among other things.
Work becoming more complex at Specsavers
Ross Campbell (pictured right). Optometrist and ophthalmic director of Specsavers Richmond, North Yorkshire
In most cases we work during the hours of 9-5 and hopefully leave work unburdened by concerns that some of our other medical colleagues have to deal with. We control our own clinic appointment times to suit the particular demographics of our local patient bases, choose which equipment we use, and have fantastic teams of colleagues who help to support us through our working day.
Of course, with an ever-ageing population, there will continue to be an ever-increasing demand for our services. This is especially relevant today with our current drive to narrow the gap between optometry and ophthalmology, which ultimately will also undoubtedly increase the complexity of the work we carry out.
The constant threat of medical-legal cases could also potentially add to any work-related stresses, as was evident last year with the Honey-Rose case.
However, in most aspects of our profession we can mitigate potential stresses by continually evaluating our personal and business performance and adapting to the challenges when they present themselves.
To contact the College of Optometrists clinical advice helpline email adviser@college-optometrists.org or call 020 7766 4372.
To volunteer for the AOP peer support line visit www.aop.org.uk/peersupport.