A qualitative analysis of strategies for managing work-related stress among optometrists in the United Kingdom.

Significance: Work-related stress is common in the optometry profession, yet there is limited research on how optometrists and organizations manage and mitigate these issues. This study explores strategies to reduce work-related stress and provides recommendations for individuals, employers, and the profession, to inform future support and guidance.

Purpose: To explore how optometrists self-manage work-related stress and to identify potential strategies that employers can implement to minimize stress and foster a supportive and positive work environment.

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

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).

Subjective refraction and prescribing styles used by UK optometrists.

Purpose: To investigate the methods of subjective refraction and prescribing used by UK optometrists in routine eye examinations.

Methods: Following a pilot study of 12 observed refractions conducted by nine optometrists, a questionnaire consisting of simple questions regarding methods used together with conditional response clinical vignettes was constructed. Paper copies were distributed to UK optometrists attending continuing professional development (CPD) courses, in addition to an online version.

Changes in ocular astigmatism with age: A longitudinal study.

Purpose: To investigate changes in astigmatism with age. Are changes from with-the-rule (WTR) in younger ages to against-the-rule (ATR) in older patients mediated through oblique astigmatic axes or spherical prescriptions, and at what ages do these changes occur?

Methods: Prescription data were gathered retrospectively from one optical practice belonging to a large multiple group in the UK. Longitudinal assessments were made of the changes in astigmatism for 326 patients (mean age at first prescription 46 years, range 28-69 years) and 640 eyes through their recorded prescription history (median 20 years of prescription data per participant, IQR 19-22 years, range 18-29 years).

Distance spectacle-wearing habits in older patients in England.

Purpose: To report the proportion of older people in England who wear distance spectacles full time, part time and rarely, and to investigate factors that influence how much the distance vision (DV) correction is worn.

Methods: A two-part questionnaire investigating the spectacle-wearing habits of older people was developed and completed by 322 participants (age 72 years ±7.7, range 60-94).

Developing refractive management recommendations for patients undergoing cataract surgery: A Delphi study.

Purpose: Currently, there are no UK optometric guidelines regarding the pre and postoperative refractive management of patients undergoing cataract surgery. This study used a Delphi method to gain consensus on best practice.

Methods: Eighteen recommendations targeted areas of concern/variability in advice that were highlighted in an earlier focus group study of refractive management for patients who had received cataract surgery.

Visual Predictors of Postural Sway in Older Adults.

Purpose: Accurate perception of body position relative to the environment through visual cues provides sensory input to the control of postural stability. This study explored which vision measures are most important for control of postural sway in older adults with a range of visual characteristics.

Methods: Participants included 421 older adults (mean age = 72.

Investigating target refraction advice provided to cataract surgery patients by UK optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Purpose: To determine whether UK optometrists and ophthalmologists provide target refraction advice to patients prior to cataract surgery, and when this should first be discussed.

Methods: Optometrists and ophthalmologists were asked to complete a survey of two clinical vignettes (both older patients with cataract; a pre-operative myope who routinely read without glasses and a patient using a monovision approach), plus multiple choice and short answer questions either using hard copy or online.

Results: Responses were obtained from 437 optometrists and 50 ophthalmologists.

What are the causes of non-tolerance to new spectacles and how can they be avoided?

Purpose: To investigate non-tolerance cases from several UK practices to determine their likely causes and how they might have been avoided.

Methods: Patient complaint and refraction data were collected from non-tolerance recheck examinations. For one practice, clinical data were also collected retrospectively to investigate the quality of the eye examinations.

What are patients' beliefs about, and experiences of, adaptation to glasses and how does this affect their wearing habits?

Purpose: It is well known that some patients experience difficulties adapting to new glasses. However, little is known about what patients themselves understand of the adaptation process, and how this influences their attitudes and the decisions they make when adapting to a new pair of glasses. Nor is it understood whether these factors affect their wearing habits.

When is refraction stable following routine cataract surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate when refraction is stable following routine cataract surgery implanting monofocal intraocular lenses. Current advice recommends obtaining new spectacles 4-6 weeks following surgery. Due to advancements in surgical techniques, we hypothesised that refractive stability would be achieved earlier, which could have major short-term improvements in quality of life for patients.

Experiences following cataract surgery - patient perspectives.

Purpose: Most patients report being highly satisfied with the outcome of cataract surgery but there are variable reports regarding the impact of cataract surgery on some real-world activities, such as fall rates. We hypothesised that adaptations to changed refractive correction and visual function may cause difficulties in undertaking everyday activities for some patients and used a series of focus groups to explore this issue.

Method: Qualitative methods were used to explore patients' experiences of their vision following cataract surgery, including adaptation to vision changes and their post-surgical spectacle prescription.

Subjective Verticality Is Disrupted by Astigmatic Visual Distortion in Older People.

Purpose: There is little research evidence to explain why older adults have more problems adapting to new spectacles incorporating astigmatic changes than younger adults. We tested the hypothesis that astigmatic lenses oriented obliquely would lead to errors in verticality perception that are greater for older than younger adults.

Methods: Participants included 12 young (mean ± SD age 25.