We recently had a patient walk out because he did not want to be tested by our female optician who wears a hijab. One of my patients that day took me aside to tell me he had muttered something derogatory. I have since discovered he has re-booked and inadvertently booked a day when we have two male Muslim opticians on duty. This is a tricky situation that I am saddened to have to be dealing with.
I do not have the high level answers to immigration but our politicians need to find one that leads to everyone embracing, celebrating and defending all those who choose to live and settle here. I do not wish to embarrass them by naming them, but I have known my locum opticians for over 10 years and they are lovely. They regularly receive great feedback and people choose to be seen by them. I cannot thank them enough for the contributions they make to my business.
I have always thought football’s ‘stamp out racism’ is too negative but I never thought I would have to be considering similar anti-racism posters in the waiting room of an optician. Perhaps it is time for our profession to lead the way in the media by highlighting and celebrating the diversity we have in our profession rather than just concentrating on what we do clinically.
I am sure there is something that could be done if our professional bodies and the major groups join forces and work together on this issue.