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Best Locum Agencies for UK Locum Optometrists (And How to Choose One)

Author: The Optom Coach

Helping employed optometrists transition into locum optometry across the UK.

Visit: www.theoptomcoach.com

Locum optometry is rapidly becoming one of the most flexible and rewarding career paths in eye care. Whether you're seeking better work-life balance, higher pay, or professional independence, working as a locum optometrist can be a game-changer. But choosing the right agency is crucial.

As The Optom Coach, a GOC-registered UK locum optometrist and mentor, I’ve helped hundreds of optometrists more knowledgeable about locum life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 5 locum optometry agencies in the UK—and how to choose the one that fits your goals.

1. OptoWork – Built by Opticians, for Opticians

Website: optowork.co.uk

OptoWork is a community-driven locum optometry platform that empowers professionals to book shifts directly with practices. It’s designed to eliminate middlemen and give full control to both locums and employers.

Highlights:

  • No recruitment fees or commissions
  • Verified professionals only
  • Real-time shift booking
  • Referral rewards and flexible scheduling

Best for: Locum optometrists who want autonomy and transparency.

2. EyeConnectUK – Locum Optometry with a Personal Touch

Website: eyeconnectuk.com

EyeConnectUK is a dedicated locum optometry agency with over 15 years of experience in placing optometrists across the UK into a majority of the market from big chains to independents. Known for its personalised service and strong relationships with practices, EyeConnectUK offers both short-term and long-term locum placements.

Highlights:

  • Over 15 years of industry experience
  • Personalised matching with practices
  • Supportive team with real optometry knowledge
  • Trusted by independent and multiple practices

Best for: Optometrists who want a reliable, relationship-driven agency with deep industry roots.

3. LocumBell – Fast, Commission-Free Shift Booking

Website: locumbell.com

LocumBell is a tech-first solution for locum optometry. It allows businesses to post shifts directly, and locums can accept them instantly—no commissions, no fuss.

Highlights:

  • 100% of the hourly rate goes to the locum
  • 24/7 shift booking via app or desktop
  • Transparent pay and shift details

Best for: Locum optometrists who value speed, simplicity, and full pay transparency.

4. Team Locum – Trusted Since 2001

Website: teamlocum.co.uk

Team Locum is one of the most established names in UK locum optometry. With over 20 years of experience, they offer personalised support and a wide network of placements.

Highlights:

  • Dedicated consultants
  • Strong relationships with chains and independents
  • High compliance standards

Best for: Optometrists seeking long-term locum relationships or permanent roles.

5. Locate a Locum – Convenience Meets Scale

Website: locatealocum.com

Locate a Locum is a large-scale digital platform that connects locum optometrists with shifts across the UK. While it’s widely used by practices for its subscription-based booking model, the experience for locums can be mixed depending on individual preferences and expectations.

Highlights from a Locum’s Perspective:

  • Pros:
  • Easy-to-use app for browsing and booking shifts
  • Wide range of opportunities across chains and independents (Specsavers, Boots, Asda etc.)
  • Automated compliance and onboarding
  • Transparent shift details and rates
  • Cons:
  • Locums report limited flexibility in negotiating rates, hitting caps for negotiation unlike other platforms
  • High-volume bookings favour practices to lower rates over individual locum preferences
  • Option to pay for data transparency, which could be seen as controversial where other platforms could theoretically offer this for free.

Best for: Locum optometrists who want access to a large pool of shifts and prefer app-based convenience over personalised agency support.

How to Choose the Right Locum Optometry Agency

Here are my top tips as The Optom Coach:

  • Know your goals: Are you chasing flexibility, income, or clinical variety?
  • Look for transparency: Agencies like OptoWork show you exactly what you’ll earn.
  • Try before you commit: Test multiple platforms to find your best fit.
  • Ask other locums: Peer reviews and community feedback are gold.

Final Thoughts For Which Are The Top 5 Agencies for Locum Optometrists In The UK (And How to Choose One)

Locum optometry offers freedom, variety, and financial potential—but only if you choose the right agency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these five platforms offer something for every locum optometrist.

If you're ready to make the leap, visit www.theoptomcoach.com for free resources, coaching, and community support tailored to UK optometrists.

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