How to make a good first and last impression

Locum optometrists must quickly become familiar with new processes and equipment while at the same time trying to make a good impression on practice staff and patients.

What should locum optometrists keep in mind when stepping through the door of an unfamiliar practice? And what steps can they take at the end of the day to reinforce a positive impression with practice staff?

Alongside guidance on these questions from experienced locum practitioners, OT approached optometry practice directors for their perspective on what makes a good first and last impression.

The locum perspective

When it comes to making a good first impression, locum optometrist, Kris Cottier, highlighted the importance of being professional, adaptable and optimistic.

“A willingness to overtly engage with the team, ask pertinent questions, and show initiative, are all factors creating healthy working relationships,” he emphasised.

Cottier shared that punctuality and dressing professionally can also contribute to a strong first impression.

“A locum should be warm, engaging and reassuring to patients and colleagues alike,” he highlighted.

Cottier noted that leaving a good last impression at a practice is just as critical.

This involves completing every task possible while in the clinic, as well as paperwork such as General Ophthalmic Services claims.

“It is bad form to leave it for others, and worse for practice staff to have to chase you to complete it,” Cottier shared.

He observed that a strong initial impression can help to secure trust.

“Similarly, a solid farewell is a sign of integrity and determines how colleagues will remember an encounter. Ultimately, these positive impressions will be instrumental toward securing reappointments and collaborations in the future,” Cottier concluded.

Locum optometrist, Pete Sharma, shared with OT that he will arrive at the practice early to introduce himself and meet the staff.

“I also try to make sure I know the system beforehand so that the day starts well and all runs on time,” he said.

Sharma noted that having the correct equipment and knowing the local protocols is also useful.

“Other store optometrists will generally be there to help, so introducing yourself to them will also help enable a smoother day if any assistance is needed,” Sharma highlighted.

Sharma observed that talking to the team throughout the day and taking the time to say goodbye can contribute to a positive impression, alongside asking if any further tasks need completing before leaving at the end of the day.

“Locum work is selective. A bad impressioncan stop any further shifts with that store or even the company,” he highlighted.

In contrast, Sharma observed that a good impression can strengthen a locum’s reputation and help to secure more work.

Locum optometrist, Hammad Mansoor, also likes to arrive at a new practice early so he can introduce himself to staff and set up his testing room.

“You don’t want to be rushing in to see a patient straight away,” he said.

During the day, Mansoor will be proactive about engaging with staff rather than staying in the testing room.

“I think if you can speak to staff then the team morale is better,” he observed.

Mansoor also makes the effort to express his gratitude to staff at the end of the day.

“I will always thank them for their help during the day,” Mansoor said.

One of the things that makes a huge difference to me is that when someone has used my room and equipment it is left in the same state or better than the start of the day

The practice director perspective

Specsavers Haverfordwest director and optometrist, Andy Britton, shared that a locum can make a good first impression by arriving early for their first clinic, introducing themselves in a pleasant and professional manner and arriving with all the necessary equipment.

“It is helpful to know in advance if they have any areas of expertise and whether they can provide any advanced services such as independent prescribing,” he said.

“It is also sensible to allow time for a briefing with the senior team to highlight practice protocols and services to ensure that patients are correctly signposted and managed during the clinic,” Britton added.

At the end of the day, Britton highlighted that a locum optometrist can leave a good impression by having all the relevant paperwork completed and signed.

All letters and referrals should be written in a professional style and supported by clear and contemporaneous records, Britton noted.

“One of the things that makes a huge difference to me is that when someone has used my room and equipment it is left in the same state or better than the start of the day,” he said.

Optometrist and owner of Boots Opticians in Bexleyheath, Mehul Patel, highlighted that professionalism, preparation and a good dress code can support a positive impression as a locum optometrist.

“Arriving 15 minutes early – even on quieter days like Sundays – demonstrates respect for the practice and allows time to review the clinic and meet the team,” he said.

Patel added that being able to identify and connect with the pre-screener before the day begins provides an opportunity to align testing expectations, helping to avoid delays or miscommunication.

He highlighted that it is important for locums to be seen as team players.

“Throughout the day, effective locums don’t isolate themselves in the test room during gaps – they spend time on the shop floor, building rapport and conversing with the wider team,” Patel emphasised.

He also believes that a locum’s actions at the end of the day are equally important in contributing to a strong impression.

Patel is more likely to rebook locum optometrists who tidy up, complete any notes and referrals and thank the team at the end of the day.

“Ultimately, locums who integrate into the team, deliver high standards of care, and show genuine interest in the practice’s success are the ones who stand out and secure consistent work,” he emphasised.