"It's normal in optometry." Or Is It? UK Locum Optometry Deep Dive About Our Working Conditions

"It's normal in optometry."

I hear this phrase constantly.

This isn't normal in other professions.

Back-to-back appointments from 9 am to 5 pm? Normal.

One 30-minute break all day? Normal.

No time to decompress between patients? Normal.

- Your accountant friend? Work from home, gaps between client calls. Time to prep. Time to think.

- Lawyer? They block out research time. Admin time. Breathing time.

- Even your pharmacist has more flexibility in their day structure.

But optometrists?

We're expected to switch from a complex contact lens fit...

To a worried mum with her screaming toddler...

To an elderly patient with multiple conditions...

To a routine eye test where you spot something sinister...

ALL within minutes of each other.

No transition time. No mental reset. No processing space.

Imagine if a therapist had to see 30 patients back-to-back with no break, if a surgeon had to operate continuously for 8 hours straight: People would call it inhumane.

Optometrists? "That's just the job."

And if you suggest 30 minute appointments instead of 25?

"No, it's not financially viable for us."

"Other optoms manage fine."

"This is just how retail optometry works."

No wonder 60% of us feel undervalued.

No wonder 1 in 7 considers leaving entirely.

We've been gaslit into thinking this intensity is "just part of the job."

But what if it doesn't have to be?

What if there was a way to practice optometry on YOUR terms? Choose where to work, when to work and for how much - That’s why I became a locum, and help others to do the same. The powers a bit more in our hands that way, not in your bosses hand: but as a whole with the profession we’ve got things to discuss as we’re all feeling the strain.