27 February 2025
As optical professionals prepare for the beginning of Ramadan, OT has approached optometrists for their tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance during the Muslim holy month.
In the UK, Ramadan is expected to begin this Friday (28 February) and conclude on 30 March. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
Around one in five optometrists and dispensing opticians are Muslim, while four in 10 student optometrists are Muslim.
Below, optometrists share their insight on how observing Ramadan interacts with their working lives – as well as the acts of kindness that have made a difference during the month.
Balancing work, prayer and wellbeing
Optometrist, Amir Afzal, shared that his top tips for maintaining a healthy-work life balance include flexible working hours, prayer breaks and adequate sleep.
“I know it’s a cliché, but a healthy and well-balanced diet is of particular importance,” he said.
The Birmingham and Black Country practitioner encouraged optical professionals to pay attention to the nutritional choices they make for suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and iftar (the fast-breaking evening meal) during Ramadan.
“Ajwa dates, nuts, seasonal fruit, natural honey and probiotic yogurt are some of my staples, Afzal shared.
Afzal finds that taking additional electrolytes helps with his hydration throughout the working day.
Optometrist, Nadirah Talati, encouraged optical professionals observing Ramadan to plan shifts around their energy levels, and prioritise rest between shifts.
“Listen to your body, adjust your schedule where possible and maintain balance between work, prayer and wellbeing,” she said.
Talati shared that it is important to be flexible, as some days will be harder than others – especially towards the last few fasts.
She recommended eating foods that slowly release energy at suhoor and taking short breaks during the working day.
“Communicate with managers for necessary adjustments and pace yourself during appointments,” Talati said.
Optometrist, Sohail Hakim, explained that because Ramadan is a lunar event, the month arrives 15 days earlier each year.
“At present, it will actually fall within the British winter-time which means a slightly later sunrise and a slightly earlier sunset,” Hakim said.
He shared that this means there will be a shorter fasting window, which is helpful when it comes to work-life balance.
“The advantage of this is that there is less fatigue and more of a window to rest and recuperate day-to-day over the whole month,” he said.
Specsavers Formby ophthalmic director, Zetun Arif, highlighted the importance of planning when it comes to work-life balance during Ramadan.
“Most employers are sympathetic towards the challenges faced in Ramadan and having a conversation about adjusting your clinic time where possible can be really useful,” she said.
Arif highlighted that for some optical professionals this can mean having a shorter lunch break and finishing earlier, while others may prefer to have short breaks during the working day to allow for rest and prayer.
“The fasts this year are shorter than they have been in previous years which will allow plenty of time to complete the night prayers and go to bed at a reasonable time,” she said.
She encouraged those observing Ramadan not to commit to more shifts than their usual work pattern.
“The holy month only comes once a year and you will want to spend your time off resting and in prayer,” Arif said.
Optometrist, Aisha Jeewa, reduces her working hours during Ramadan and ensures that she does not miss suhoor.
She has a well-balanced meal when breaking her fast, avoiding sugary drinks, as well as fried and fatty foods.
Jeewa described Ramadan as a time for self-reflection and an opportunity to change – mentally, spiritually and physically.
“However, finding the right balance between being spiritually aware and working can be challenging at times,” she said.
“One needs an extra senseof patience and empathy both for oneself and for others in the workplace,” Jeewa highlighted.
“One needs an extra sense of patience and empathy both for oneself and for others in the workplace
Acts of kindness during Ramadan
Asked about acts of kindness from managers or colleagues during Ramadan, Talati recalled a manager who organised an Eid party at the end of the month.
“Everyone brought food and desserts, and we all had some time to reflect on Ramadan and celebrate Eid alongside colleagues who are non-Muslim,” she said.
Talati added that her managers have usually been proactive about adjusting her clinic schedule to provide more flexibility during the working day.
She shared that her colleagues will often check in with her during Ramadan to see how she is getting on – especially during the afternoon when her energy levels can drop.
“This can really help you get through the day, especially a few years ago when the fasts were a lot longer,” Talati highlighted.
Hakim shared with OT that his team ensure that his working hours are adjusted so he is adequately rested and provide him with a bag of fruit and nuts to break his fast.
“My team are aware I am very particular about my prayers. With the prayer times falling during practice hours, it means I observe them whilst in office. The lovely team have gifted me with a beautiful prayer mat and a Quran,” he said.
Afzal shared with OT that he is always appreciative of individuals who show a real interest in finding out more about the importance of Ramadan.
“Colleagues are often unaware that in addition to fasting, Muslims enhance their devotion through increased prayer, Quran recitation and charitable giving. Explaining the special significance and beauty of this month is always a pleasure,” he highlighted.
Reflecting on an act of kindness during Ramadan, Arif recalled colleagues who took her observance into account when distributing treats among the team.
“They would package mine up separately so I could enjoy them at home after opening my fast and they ensured they were Halal,” she said.
The lovely team have gifted me with a beautiful prayer mat and a Quran
The personal and the professional
Optometrist, Shamina Asif, shared that her identity as a Muslim informs the way she works as an optometrist.
“Personally, my faith influences my professional approach as I endeavour to try and achieve excellence in my work,” she said.
“The term in Arabic that describes this is Ihsan which is to provide excellence and master what you do wholeheartedly,” Asif explained.
Asif highlighted that how Muslim optical professionals conduct themselves with patients and colleagues is an integral part of Islam.
“I believe that in every high-quality eye test I do, I am attaining good deeds. When I am abiding by the GOC standards of practice at work, this is also helping me become a better Muslim,” she shared.
Studying the Quran during Ramadan can provide an opportunity for reflection on an optometrist’s working life.
“Understanding the Quran during Ramadan serves as a timely reminder of how important our work is as optical professionals, and how Islam is a seamless integration of spirituality and vocation, connected and inseparable,” Asif shared.
Raising funds to support families in Syria and Lebanon during Ramadan
Optometrist, Nadirah Talati, is fundraising for Jigsaw Charity this Ramadan.
The money raised will be used to provide essential aid – as well as menstruation products and education – to vulnerable families in Syria and Lebanon.
Talati told OT that Ramadan provides an opportunity for personal reflection – including on how lucky she is to have access to basic necessities.
“Things like a nice hot meal to break our fast are not a luxury many people around the world can enjoy,” she said.
Talati volunteers for Jigsaw Charity’s Dignity Project – which aims to eradicate period poverty. Talati shared that menstrual and hygiene products are often overlooked within the distribution of humanitarian aid.
“Many women and girls face stigma, shame, and barriers to education and opportunities simply because of menstruation,” she highlighted.
If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online.
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