Working Conditions of Employee Optometrists in Australia

Improving job satisfaction can mitigate workplace burnout, which refers to feelings of exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy, and preserve service quality. Understanding factors that improve job satisfaction is important, as a high proportion of Australian optometrists report burnout and conflicting pressures to meet financial benchmarks in the clinic. This study investigated factors impacting job satisfaction by assessing the demands placed on optometrists and resources available to manage workplace stressors.

Optometrists were invited to complete an online survey probing demographic, employment, workplace and appointment book management characteristics. Their impact on job satisfaction was assessed using items from the job demands-resources model. Job satisfaction was elicited by the key outcome statements 'I have satisfactory career options and professional growth', 'I am satisfied with my income' and 'I am satisfied with my current scope of practice and level of autonomy'. The Clinician Experience Measure (CEM) was also administered for baseline purposes.

In total, 370 responses with a >50% completion rate were received, representing 5% of AHPRA-registered optometrists. The mean (SD) age was 36.1 (10.8) years, and 61.1% were female. Participants were least satisfied with career options and professional growth (22.5%) and income (24.6%), while only 43.0% were satisfied with their practice scope and level of autonomy. The lowest-scoring items on the CEM pertained to limited involvement in workplace decision-making. Expecting stable employment within the next year (p = 0.004-0.01) and longer appointment waiting times (p < 0.001-0.01) increased job satisfaction across all outcomes, while difficulty seeing emergency patients reduced satisfaction (p < 0.001). Income (p < 0.001), work setting (p < 0.001-0.02) and follow-up appointment times (p = 0.006) were also significant factors.

Appointment schedules that allow for adequate follow-up time and can easily accommodate emergency consultations are the strongest modifiable factors available to employee optometrists for reducing workplace stressors. These findings can inform strategies for improving job satisfaction to optimise eyecare delivery.