From sessional lecturing to television appearances: building a varied career as a locum

The ability to pursue a range of different roles has enriched the career of locum optometrist, Francesca Marchetti.

Marchetti began working as a locum around eight years after she qualified as an optometrist in order to support her husband’s optometry practice.

The flexibility of locum work enabled her to take on a range of roles – including as a sessional lecturer at Aston University, a College Council member, AOP Councillor and AOP Board member.

“One role led to another, which led to another and another,” she shared with OT.

Marchetti shared that her involvement with representative bodies has enabled her to be a spokesperson for her profession.

She has made appearances on the television and radio, as well as having her views on topics important to the profession published in the newspaper.

“I couldn’t have done any of that if I had not been a locum,” she emphasised.

Marchetti encouraged people considering a locum career to be aware that although daily rates for locum work can be high, they do not have an employer to support them with sick leave or holiday pay.

“If you don’t work, you don’t earn,” she said.

A 2023 GOC registrants survey found that around one in ten optometrists planned to switch to locum work within the next two years.

Marchetti encouraged newly graduated optometrists to gain experience as a resident optometrist before taking on a locum role.

“We have such a fantastic job – it is the best job in the world, but you need to fall in love with your profession when you are first qualified,” she shared.

“You need to see that patient journey. There is nothing more rewarding than someone coming in with a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers or a thank you card – to thank you for what you have done,” Marchetti said.