01 October 2026
Optometrists and dispensing opticians are increasingly seeking careers that can accommodate their priorities outside of work.
The 2025 General Optical Council Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey received responses from 3798 optometrists and dispensing opticians on a range of topics – including how the profession values flexibility and work-life balance.
Asked about their motivations for entering optics, close to one in five optometrists and dispensing opticians (17%) identified flexible working patterns as a key motivator for joining the profession.
This is even higher among student optometrists – with 26% of this cohort identifying flexible working patterns as a significant factor in choosing to become an optometrist.
Among survey respondents who are happy with their job, more than half (57%) cited good work-life balance as a reason for their professional satisfaction – ahead of earning a good salary (33%).
In this feature, OT explores how employers are adapting to meet the increasing demand for flexibility within the optical workforce.
Valli Opticians
Valli Opticians head of operations, Christine Wrenn, told OT that she observed an increased demand for four-day weeks among staff following the pandemic, while some practices – where demographics allow – have stopped operating on Saturdays.
“That allows staff to spend more time with their families and enjoy activities outside of work,” Wrenn highlighted.
She noted that Valli Opticians has also accommodated requests to have Friday off or have a longer lunch break to accommodate Friday prayers.
“We understand that giving our teams flexibility builds trust,” Wrenn said.
Valli Opticians has also accommodated requests for an earlier first appointment time to enable staff to leave earlier and avoid the busiest commuting time.
Wrenn observed that Valli Opticians strives to be a caring employer.
“If a member of the team comes to us and they want to change their working pattern, we give it serious consideration,” she said.
“You’ve got a duty of care to support anyone who comes to you and wants to be considered for flexible working,” she said.
Hakim Group
Hakim Group people services manager, Victoria Hart, shared with OT that there are a range of flexible working arrangements across Hakim Group’s network of practices – including part-time roles, compressed hours, job sharing, varied shift patterns and portfolio careers.
“Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognise that the right solution will depend on the role, the operational needs of each practice and the people it serves,” she said.
Hart highlighted that optical professionals are increasingly prioritising work-life balance and autonomy.
“We support our practice owners and managers to have meaningful, people-first conversations about flexibility wherever possible, encouraging them to consider the individual circumstances behind each request and explore solutions with compassion and practicality,” she said.
Hart added that Hakim Group is also mindful that exceptional patient care and continuity of service must sit at the heart of decision-making.
The people services manager highlighted that technological advancement will continue to create new opportunities – particularly for support and administrative roles.
“Patient-facing clinical roles will naturally require different considerations,” Hart shared.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognise that the right solution will depend on the role, the operational needs of each practice and the people it serves
Vision Express
HR director, Dawn Price, is responsible for EssilorLuxottica’s optical and sun retail division in the UK and Ireland.
Price shared that she has observed a “clear shift” in what optical professionals value most within their careers.
A survey conducted by Vision Express found that 88% of optometrists ranked flexibility among their top priorities.
“Flexibility, wellbeing, professional development, and purpose are increasingly important, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through patient care,” she said.
Price noted that what flexibility looks like for each individual will be different.
“We recognise that flexibility is personal. Our colleagues have different priorities depending on their career stage, lifestyle, and personal commitments, so we encourage open conversations about what their ideal working week looks like,” she said.
Price shared that, where role and operational requirements allow, flexible working may include part-time hours, alternate working days or compressed weeks.
“For our optometrists, we’ve designed the TG Pool, an exclusive initiative that enables our optometrists to pick up additional locum style shifts, providing more control, earning potential and choice over their working week, while retaining the benefits of a resident role,” she said.
Reflecting on her predictions for future trends around workplace flexibility, Price anticipates that the demand for flexibility will grow to encompass how careers are structured, developed, and experienced.
“For optometrists, we expect increasing demand for greater control over working patterns, including self-scheduling, flexible hours, and the opportunity to work across clusters of stores,” she said.
Rawlings Opticians
Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care HR director, Sara Shipway, shared that Rawlings Opticians recognises that flexibility is key to employee wellbeing and performance.
“As a family-run company, we try our best to accommodate the individual needs of our employees, understanding that everyone has different responsibilities and priorities both inside and outside of work,” she said.
Shipway highlighted that employees and managers work together to find practical solutions that balance personal circumstances with business needs.
“Through supporting flexible working, we enable our employees to perform at their best, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and feel valued as individuals,” she said.
The HR director highlighted that there has been a “notable rise” in the demand for flexible working – both among existing and prospective employees.
“In response to this change, we have adopted a more flexible approach in accommodating part-time roles and different working schedules where circumstances permit,” she said.
Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care HR adviser, Emma McBratney, highlighted that Rawlings Opticians also supports employees in developing skills in a diverse range of areas – from further education to volunteer work.
“In supporting employees in their personal interests and professional development, we have built a diverse workforce that prides itself on patient care, personal growth, and employee wellbeing,” she said.
Looking ahead, McBratney anticipates continued demand for careers that are able to adapt around personal priorities.
“We expect flexibility to become an increasingly important priority for employees, with many seeking greater control over when and how they work to support work-life balance and portfolio careers,” she said.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to join the discussion. Log in