14 October 2025
New research provides an in-depth look at how optometrists and trainee optometrists are managing work-related stress.
The study, which was published in Optometry and Vision Science, shares insights from a survey of more than 1000 optometrists and pre-registration optometrists.
Lead author, Neil Retallic, who is a PhD candidate at the University of Bradford, highlighted that the research revealed insight into the coping strategies used by optical professionals.
“The findings show that small, practical steps — from peer support to improved workplace communication — can make a meaningful difference inreducing workplace stressors,” he said.
Here, OT outlines 10 of the techniques that survey participants used to manage their work-related stress.
1 Adapting patterns of work
Adapting working patterns was a common strategy for managing work-related stress reported by survey participants.
Some participants reduced their working hours or switched to part-time working.
“These adjustments enabled respondents to create a balance that better suited their personal and professional needs, while also accommodating other responsibilities and commitments,” the study authors reflected.
2 Press pause: meditation, yoga and breathing exercises
Mindset adjustments were mentioned by 156 survey respondents.
Study participants highlighted the benefits of meditation, yoga and breathing exercises for mitigating work pressure.
One survey respondent shared: “Take time to breathe in a quiet space when stress gets too much.”
3 Using physical exercise for stress-management
Exercise was a popular pastime used by optometrists and trainee optometrists to reduce stress levels – with physical activities mentioned by 199 respondents.
Running and walking was the most commonly mentioned form of exercise, followed by gym sessions, sports, cycling and swimming.
Cycling to and from work had mental and physical benefits, one survey participant observed, while another shared: “Walking the dogs helps to clear my head.”
4 Hobbies, travelling and time outdoors
Many survey respondents pointed to activities outside of work as providing a protective effect against work-related stress.
Hobbies were mentioned by 33 participants as part of their personal coping strategy, followed by holidays and travel (27 participants), reading (23), music and podcasts (19), outdoor time (15), and arts and crafts (10).
One survey participant observed: “I try to spend a significant amount of time outside when I can due to working in a windowless room.”
5 The value of social support networks
The study authors highlighted that time spent with friends, family and partners offered an opportunity for emotional support and a distraction from work pressures.
Social support was mentioned by 97 respondents when reflecting on how they manage work-related stress.
“[I] Talk to a friend that’s in a similar situation so that I know I’m not alone,” a survey respondent wrote.
6 Creating separation between work and home life
Many survey respondents reported adopting strategies to maintain appropriate boundaries between work and leisure time.
These included limiting access to work-related communications outside of working hours and finishing administrative tasks at work.
One survey respondent wrote: “I established better boundaries, kept a strict balance of working and non-working days, and prevented work tasks from entering my home life.”
7 Lifestyle choices
Lifestyle choices were mentioned by 62 survey participants. There was a full spectrum of coping behaviours ranging from paying attention to nutrition, hydration and sleep, to using sweets, chocolate and alcohol to relieve work-related stress.
8 Medication, therapy and mental health apps
Among the survey respondents, 37 participants mentioned accessing professional support for work-related stress.
Interventions included using therapy, medication and mental health apps – such as the Headspace meditation app.
9 Taking micro-breaks during the working day
A common theme among the stress-mitigation strategies during the working day was making use of scheduled breaks.
Participants prevented stress from building up by walking, spending time outdoors, meditating or praying during their allocated breaks.
The study authors shared: “Some engaged in specific activities during lunch as a distraction and a means of staying calm.”
10 The protective effect of strong relationships
Survey respondents highlighted the value of supportive relationships with colleagues and effective communication.
They also pointed to the important role of effective workload distribution and adequate training in minimising work-related stress.
“I have a great relationship with my employer so I’m able to discuss any stress I’m experiencing and work towards solutions,” one respondent highlighted.
OT asks...
How often do you feel stressed at work?
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