Elevated levels of mental health issues among optometrists in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the mental health and well-being of optometrists in the UK and explore associated factors.

Method: A cross-sectional online survey of UK-based optometrists was conducted over a 3-month period during 2024. The survey included validated, well-established measures to assess psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-2). Well-being was evaluated in relation to optimal healthy living behaviours.

Results: The study includes results from 1303 qualified optometrists, of whom 37% had moderate-to-severe psychological distress scores, 24% screened positive for depression and 28% for anxiety. The three strongest predictors of higher psychological distress in a regression analysis were younger age, lower self-reported physical health and the absence of additional roles. For both depression and anxiety, the significant predictors were younger age, poorer self-reported physical health and not being an Independent Prescriber. Across all three mental health measures, female optometrists exhibited poorer scores than male optometrists. Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours was associated with better mental health outcomes. However, neither gender nor adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours was identified as independent predictors and was therefore not retained in the final logistic regression model.

Conclusion: Higher prevalence of mental health conditions was observed among UK-based optometrists than in the general population. Optometrists with higher qualifications and those undertaking additional roles may experience improved mental well-being, although further research is needed. The findings emphasise the need for initiatives to support mental well-being, particularly among young optometrists and those early in their optometry career.

Keywords: depression; distress; mental health; optometry; practitioner; well‐being.

FIGURE 1

Severity levels of psychological distress among optometrists, measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). N = 1291. Categories are defined as: Well (K10 score 10–19), mild (20–24), moderate (25–29) and severe (30–50).

FIGURE 2

Healthy lifestyle behaviours among optometrists. The percentage values indicate the proportion of optometrists who met the recommended requirements for each healthy lifestyle behaviour out of the total respondent numbers (N values). *Guidelines are ≥150 min of moderate or ≥75 min of vigorous physical activity per week.