Blog
The Silent Exodus: Why 1 in 7 UK Optometrists Are Leaving the Profession
In a startling revelation, recent studies have shown that one in seven UK optometrists are
The Undervalued Epidemic In UK Optometry
6/10 optometrists feel completely undervalued at work. Who cares? If you walked into any
"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&
Repetition Leads To Repulse: How To Avoid The Employed UK Optometry Trap
Same room. Same chair. Same questions. Same add ons being pushed… FOR FIVE YEARS This
UK Optometrists: More Money Or Mellow Moods, Which One?
Optoms seriously believe that more money will buy them respect, autonomy, decent colleagues, work-life balance.
The 3 Things UK Locum Optometrists Must Choose Between.
Close to home, great timings, high pay. Pick two. Employed optometrists are often trapped in
Sustainable UK Locum Optometry vs. Burnout Mode - Choose One!
"I'm earning £425+ per day locuming!" "That's amazing!
How To Gamify Your UK Optometry Journey
Honestly why do people spend hours playing games? Seems like a huge waste of time,
Why Location Can Make or Break Your Income as a UK Locum Optometrist (And 5 things you can do about it)
Most optoms think maximising locum pay is all about what you charge... the hidden truth
Mastering the "Off-Slit-Lamp" Exam: The £400 Shortcut For UK Optometrists
Every optometrist has encountered the "challenging" patient: the frail elderly person who cannot
The Silent King Of UK Optometrists Heart: Is the Volk 90D Still the Lens to Beat in 2025?
In the world of optometry, Volk is a name that feels less like a brand
UK Optometrists - Is The Independent Prescribing (IP) Qualification Worth It?
It’s a question we’ve heard countless times in our profession. After seeing many
UK Locum Optometrists: How To Tighten A Loose Volk Lens
Ever felt that sinking feeling when you pick up your trusty Volk lens and hear
90D vs. Digital Wide Field: Which Volk Lens Should You Reach For As A UK Optometrist?
It’s the debate heard in every staff room and CET event across the UK:
UK Optometrists & Locums: Stop Letting Inflation Erode Your Hard-Earned Savings
For many optometrists in the UK, the "safe" move has always been to
About The Optom Coach
Hi, I'm The Optom Coach. I have verifiably helped hundreds of optometrists in the UK transition into the world of locuming. Many of my students booked their very first shifts as new locums directly because of the guidance provided here.
I help optometrists to locum by focusing on three core pillars:
- The Transition: Teaching you exactly how to move from employment to full or part-time locum work at rates of £350+/day.
- Versatility: Helping current locums learn the systems and workflows of various companies and independents.
- Stability: Reducing stress and increasing income through open discussions on work-life balance and access to private, actionable tools.
My Journey
I started as an employed optometrist at a major optical chain. I saw the tightening clinic times, shorter lunches, and the heavy sales focus. I knew that if I stayed on that path, burnout was inevitable.
When I first heard a locum earned £350/day for the same work I was doing, it was a wake-up call. I took the leap, but I had to do it the hard way—no guides, no mentors, and no community. After years of locuming everywhere from 8-testroom hubs to tiny independents, I decided to become the teacher I never had.
I wouldn't go back to traditional employment. The freedom to choose your own days, the variety of seeing new equipment and faces, and the ability to earn up to £500/day brought my love for optometry back to life. I want you to have that same life-changing shift in your career.
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Effective Date: December 2, 2025
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