New network to tackle isolation among optometrists

A new digital community aims to boost resilience and reduce clinical isolation among the optometry workforce.

Locum optometrist, Jason Searle, told OT that he developed the The Eye Care Advocate network after observing that many practitioners feel profoundly isolated – particularly among the pre-reg and early career workforce.

“Many report being unprepared for the mental and commercial pressures of the real world, often working in a vacuum without a reliable support network,” he said.

“To address this, I have launched The Eye Care Advocate Community, which is a digital community designed to prepare students for the world they are entering and to ensure qualified clinicians know that support exists,” Searle shared.

The network provides a digital community where members can ask questions, receive guidance from experienced professionals and share their professional wins.

Searle told OT that the community currently has 20 active members.

“I am growing this community slowly and deliberately to ensure that every member feels seen and heard as we scale,” he said.

Research published in in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics by Neil Retallic et al in 2025 found a higher proportion of mental health challenges among the UK optometry workforce than the general population – with younger optometrists particularly vulnerable.

Searle told OT that many early-career optometrists feel unsupported following qualification – creating a risk that valuable talent will be lost.

"I regularly hear from pre-regs and newly qualified clinicians who are struggling to the point of leaving the profession,” he said.

Those interested in finding out more about the network can visit the The Eye Care Advocate website.

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