Optometrist, Richard Spruce, has shared his experience of maintaining work-life balance as part of OT’s April/May The core values edition.
Spruce told OT that in 2018 the responsibilities he was balancing at work and home began to seem unmanageable.
“It was very difficult. Fortunately, I have a very supportive wife, friends and family. I had some help from the GP,” he said.
The vice chair of Optometry Scotland shared that as well as feeling responsible for the patients he was seeing, he had business pressures to balance.
Working at an independent practice, as well as maintaining his own livelihood, he felt the responsibility to ensure his colleagues could continue to pay their mortgages.
“That was resting on my shoulders,” he said.
Spruce shared that optometrists need to look after themselves so they can look after others.
The optometrist encouraged practitioners to reach out for support if they are feeling burned out.
“There are people out there who can help – whether that is friends, family or your GP if necessary,” Spruce said.
“Don’t suffer in silence,” he added.
Spruce now makes an effort to take time for himself during the week to take part in activities that help him to recharge. He sets time aside to spend with his children and wife.
Spruce shared that he gained a sense of focus through painting miniatures.
“I spend time painting tabletop miniatures. You zone out from the outside world,” he said.
The optometrist also plays rugby in his spare time, with regular exercise helping to relieve stress.
“The physical aspect of rugby is very useful. I have never come out of a training session with anything other than a good feeling,” he said.
“Physically I will feel tired but mentally I feel good. It is very cleansing,” Spruce observed.
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