What I have learned…

There are the daily challenges of adapting to new practices, processes and colleagues, alongside the host of new administrative duties that come with being a self-employed worker.

While the first step for a resident optometrist getting to grips with a new role might be tapping on the shoulder of a co-worker, locum optometrists do not always have the same network to draw from.

To address this knowledge gap, OT draws from the experience of our panel of locum contributors – who share key insight on the lessons they have learned over the course of their career.

Nothing is guaranteed, and things can change very quickly

The importance of balance

Locum optometrist, Kam Sandhu, shared that over the course of her career she has realised the importance of prioritising and safeguarding wellbeing as a locum optometrist.

“In the early days of my locum career, I was eager to impress and my main goal was to leave a positive impression to ensure future bookings, often going out of my way to accommodate every request, even when it was inconvenient,” she explained.

“As I’ve gained confidence, I’ve realised the importance of setting boundaries. If a situation doesn’t align with my values or feels overwhelming, I've learned to decline shifts,” Sandhu shared.

She highlighted that if a locum optometrist feels overworked or undervalued at a practice, it might be a sign that it is time to look for another practice that is a better fit.

A turning point in Sandu’s career came when she started working for a new company as a locum optometrist that made her feel appreciated as a valued member of the team.

“Each branch I visited was filled with welcoming and friendly colleagues, which transformed my experience,” she said.

The experience helped Sandhu to realise that she could support practices beyond the testing room in a number of ways – for example, by managing appointments or handling patient enquiries.

“Instead of retreating to my room between patients, I felt encouraged to step out and engage with others,” she said.

Locum optometrist, Rebecca Rushton, highlighted that it is important to be flexible and adaptable as a locum.

However, this approach was tested in the past year when a company stopped paying Rushton and she ended up going to the Small Claims Court to recover her earnings.

Rushton shared that while the experience knocked her confidence it taught her a valuable lesson about standing her ground.

“I will not be taken advantage of again,” Rushton emphasised.

“Having said all that, I really believe that in all business interactions there needs to be a balance of give and take, and open communication is essential,” she said.

Rebecca Rushton

Rebecca Rushton, locum optometrist

Making a difference

Locum optometrist, Janki Vadgama, shared that finding a practice setting that aligns with her values has reinvigorated her career.

Vadgama said that shifting from working in busy High Street practices to working within domiciliary and special needs eye care has reminded her why she studied optometry in the first place.

“It fills me with a deep sense of pride in being able to give back to the community,” she highlighted.

During her career, she has learned the importance of backing herself in making decisions.

“As I work alone within a special needs school setting and a domiciliary setting, trusting your own instincts and being confident in any time sensitive decision making is key,” Vadgama observed.

Locum optometrist, Francesca Marchetti, reflected on the importance of preparation for success as a locum optometrist – from allowing an extra 20 minutes for the journey to a new practice to becoming familiar with practice processes and staff.

“You are part of the team for that day,” she highlighted

She observed that having strong connections between all team members enhances the care that is provided to patients.

“Good rapport between all members of staff builds trust within your working environment. This then establishes trust between patients and staff,” Marchetti said.

I’ve realised the importance of setting boundaries. If a situation doesn’t align with my values or feels overwhelming, I’ve learned to decline shifts

Time management

When Frank Eperjesi first started working as a locum optometrist, he struggled to keep his clinics to time.

A key realisation came when he realised that the resident optometrists were conducting sight tests that were led by symptoms and signs.

Eperjesi shared that when he adopted this approach his time management improved.

“There are some tests that every patient needs, but some tests only need to be done when certain symptoms and signs are present. Once I implemented symptoms and signs led examinations I could keep time better and it was less onerous for the patients as well,” he highlighted.

He also shared the importance of explaining to patients the tests that are being conducted.

“The letter test doesn’t need to be explained as everyone understands that, but something like measuring intraocular pressure does need to be explained. People don’t know what intraocular pressure is and don't know why it's important to measure it,” Eperjesi highlighted.

Hammad Mansoor

Hammad Mansoor, locum optometrist

Locum optometrist, Hammad Mansoor, shared that an ability to adapt to different working environments and be flexible are key when working as a locum.

He also noted the importance of clear and concise communication with both patients and staff.

“You may not be in that practice again so whatever course of action you have decided on needs to be understood,” he said.

Mansoor observed that locum optometrists need to have a proactive mindset.

“You are looking for work opportunities so you need to be able to sell yourself and differentiate yourself from other locums,” he said.

Mansoor’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the value of making financial arrangements for unforeseen circumstances as a locum optometrist.

“Overnight, we lost all our work,” he said.

“Nothing is guaranteed, and things can change very quickly. You need to make arrangements for that,” Mansoor said.