Collective established for coaches and mentors in optics

A new peer group has launched for coaches and mentors in the optical profession, seeking to raise awareness of the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and available services.

Coaches and Mentors in Optics (CaMiO) was set up by optometrist Peter Greedy, a speaker, trainer, and coach.

Talking to OT about the formation of the new group, Greedy said: “I wanted to create a group that can be the go-to place for knowledge and expertise on coaching, mentoring and wellbeing practitioners within our industry. As a collective we will have a stronger voice and can be a source of advice and information, as well as providing services to the industry.”

Peter Greedy

All members involved in CaMiO have experience of working in optics, which Greedy suggests “means we have much better understanding of the workplace dynamics than service providers from outside the industry.”

Greedy has more than 40 years’ experience in the optical profession and has been working as a qualified executive coach during the last five years.

Describing his motivation for establishing the initiative, Greedy said: “As I have networked in the industry, I have become aware of many people doing similar coaching and mentoring work, and I thought it would be good to share knowledge and experience. I have an abundance, not scarcity, mentality and believe we can all work together for the benefit of our profession.”

Greedy shared: “I am regularly saddened by stories of toxic and abusive leadership within our profession, and this is not acceptable. Various pieces of research have also highlighted the prevalence of suboptimal levels of wellbeing in the workplace.”

For members of CaMiO, raising awareness of these issues, and how to address them, is key.

As a collective we will have a stronger voice and can be a source of advice and information, as well as providing services to the industry

Greedy hopes the collective can provide services to improve the culture of workplaces in the profession: “So that the people who work in optics enjoy their work more in safe workplaces where they feel they belong and feel fulfilled in their work.”

“This will reduce stress, anxiety, burnout, time away from work, and for the business owners this means higher levels of productivity, innovation, customer satisfaction, attendance, and staff retention,” Greedy said.

This would see benefits for employees, business owners, and for clients receiving eye care.

The initiative will provide peer support for those involved in coaching and mentoring and is open to “anyone who has a passion for people,” Greedy said, adding: “I believe anyone who is a team leader is a coach and mentor as part of their work.”

A directory of services provided by CaMiO members who provide coaching, mentoring, and wellbeing services will be added to the website.

“Longer-term, we can provide CaMiO-accredited training services and maybe there will be a CaMiO accreditation for great places to work in optics,” Greedy said.