07 February 2025
As an optometrist the part of the role that I feel most stressed about is clinical decision making, and the possibility of missing something. This has always loomed over me, but was perhaps less significant when I immediately qualified as I was less aware of what I didn’t know. This feeling became worse during lockdown when I was working as the sole optometrist in a practice, and for the following year or two as I think my confidence had been shaken.
However, this stress has improved in recent years, and it’s been nice to be able to reflect and appreciate that change.
I think this feeling has receded as I’ve begun discussing more cases with colleagues, particularly cases that I’m unsure about, asking for a second opinion, and making sure I’ve thought of possible differential diagnoses. Two minds are always better than one, and addressing any uncertainty at the time means it’s less likely to travel home with me.
The more clinical experience I have, the more comfortable I feel with explaining to patients that I’m unsure of their diagnosis or management. This is usually followed by a plan to gain clarity, or an explanation of the differential diagnoses I’m concerned about and what they should look out for. This transparency with patients has really helped ease my worry, and I think patients appreciate it too – hearing your ‘working out’ of the issue helps to build trust and reassures them that you’re listening to their concerns and considering different options.
I have learnt to always talk to someone, whether that be a friend, a family member or a colleague. Some situations can take a disproportionate amount of space in your mind
Speaking to others
Over the years, when stresses begin to bubble to the surface, I have learnt to always talk to someone, whether that be a friend, a family member or a colleague. Some situations can take a disproportionate amount of space in your mind. Speaking to others helps to gain perspective, and often they’ve dealt with a similar stress before and can share their experiences. A problem shared is a problem halved.
I have also found it important to build in a routine to help me unwind at the end of the day. My partner would say that this sees me “eat a lot of chocolate.” Although this is somewhat true, it is usually preceded by a home-cooked meal. Having a nourishing meal feels like a token to yourself after a day focusing on others.
We have also started doing 10-minutes of yoga some evenings, which we always feel so much better for afterwards.
Generally, I find balance through the year by keeping most of my extra optometry-related activities to ‘term time’ and keep more availability in the summer and the festive period for friends and family. This variation helps; I appreciate the quieter periods and build energy for the busier ones.
I usually get home from clinic around 18:30, so it can feel like most of the day has been consumed with work. To create more balance, and to give us something to look forward to at the end of the day, we try to arrange activities on weeknights, such as dinner with friends and family, exercise or going to the cinema.
I have recently signed up to a running event, for which I’m training three times a week. Most of my previous goals have been work-related, and having this personal challenge has been incredibly positive for my work/life balance and my wellbeing, and I think it’s something I’ll try to continue with each year.
In terms of staying motivated, I believe ‘the more you put in the more you get out
Rest and reset
Time helps me to reset; if I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day or soon it’ll be a new week, I can usually compartmentalise the situations or stresses.
‘To do’ lists are also brilliant, and I find it helpful to organise them into what needs to be done today, this week, this month or next month so it doesn’t become overwhelming.
In terms of staying motivated, I believe ‘the more you put in the more you get out.’ Although it tends to be a busier period, I am undoubtedly happier in my role when I am learning or when there is variety in my day or week. Learning, for example completing a post-graduate course, reignites my passion for optometry and it feels rewarding to apply something you’ve learnt in a lecture to clinic the next day. Variety is also key, whether it is having a mix of appointment types in the day (eye exams, contact lenses, MECS, myopia progression assessments, glaucoma referral refinement), or a mix of working environments in the week (community, hospital, teaching, research), it prevents monotony and that auto-pilot feeling.
I have learnt to always talk to someone, whether that be a friend, a family member or a colleague. Some situations can take a disproportionate amount of space in your mind
Josie Evans works in independent practice and a hospital setting. She is an AOP Councillor representing Employees of independent practices.
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