Supporting wellbeing
New report on the wellbeing of UK optometrists
As part of our mission to support members, we’ve publish a report on the wellbeing of optometrists in the UK and launched new services off the back of the results.
In 2016 we commissioned an in-depth research project, carried out by Aston University, to investigate the effects of work-related pressures on the health and wellbeing of our UK members and identify how we could best support them.
The report summarises the research findings in three key areas; stress, career aspirations and issues raised by employers.
Responding to over 1700 members, who took part in the research, we launched our Peer Support Line, a free-phone, confidential helpline, to meet the needs of over 55% who reported levels of stress in the workplace. Building on this service, we’ve released a series of new online resources aimed at helping members to recognise the signs and manage the symptoms of stress.
Henrietta Alderman, Chief Executive, said: “The health and wellbeing of our members is a core focus for the AOP in 2017, running through a variety of projects in different forms. One of the central and most notable themes identified as part of this research, is the pressure felt by many practitioners, across all levels, in practice. We are responding dynamically to address these concerns by developing new services, which can be accessed quickly and easily, as well as looking to work with employers on the broader areas.”
We will continue to develop new services and work with employers to help address the issues raised in our research.
Find out more about the research and our work to support members, in response to the findings: