New research highlights serious impacts of workplace mistreatment in the optical sector

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published new research revealing the profound personal and professional consequences of harassment, bullying, abuse and discrimination experienced by optical professionals in the workplace. The findings underscore the urgent need for cultural change across the sector to protect both practitioners and patients.

Commissioned in response to concerning trends identified in recent GOC workforce surveys, the qualitative study was conducted by Explain Market Research and involved 38 in-depth interviews with optometrists and dispensing opticians. All participants had experienced one or more forms of mistreatment in their professional environments.

The research paints a complex picture of workplace culture in the optical sector. Many participants reported a decline in job satisfaction, citing increased workloads, commercial pressures and strained interprofessional relationships. Experiences of mistreatment ranged from physical, verbal and cyberbullying to discrimination based on gender, race, religion or sexuality. Sexual harassment and aggressive behaviour from patients were also commonly reported.

The impacts of these experiences were wide-ranging. Interviewees described mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety and depression, alongside physical symptoms including migraines and dizziness. Many reported diminished self-esteem and confidence, with some noting reduced engagement in their work and reluctance to pursue career progression. A significant number of participants said their experiences had shaped long-term career decisions, influencing whether they worked as locums or permanent staff, and the type of practice they chose.

Importantly, some professionals felt that the quality of patient care may have been indirectly affected. Several described becoming less emotionally available or less able to deliver compassionate care as a result of their own distress.

The study also identified key barriers to reporting mistreatment. These included uncertainty about whom to approach, fear of reputational damage, concern about the lack of evidence, and scepticism about whether reporting would lead to meaningful change. Participants called for clearer reporting pathways, peer support, and ongoing education on recognising and responding to mistreatment. They also urged the GOC to take a leadership role in setting behavioural expectations and enforcing consequences for breaches.

Steve Brooker, Director of Regulatory Strategy at the GOC, acknowledged the gravity of the findings. “This powerful report reveals the devastating personal impacts of bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination in the workplace,” he said. “It also demonstrates the potential patient safety consequences of these behaviours, which gives the GOC a clear public protection mandate to act.”

Brooker reaffirmed the GOC’s commitment to tackling negative workplace culture. In 2023, the regulator joined professional and membership bodies in issuing a joint statement on zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination. Since then, it has strengthened its standards of practice to promote more inclusive environments and ensure businesses support affected staff.

The GOC clarified its approach to fitness to practise concerns arising from workplace mistreatment. While most issues are expected to be resolved locally, the regulator may investigate serious cases where there is sufficient evidence or a clear indication that evidence exists. In less severe cases, informal advice may be issued, and concerns recorded for future reference. Discrimination, particularly involving protected characteristics, may warrant more serious sanctions due to its potential impact on public confidence and patient safety.

The full research report is available on the GOC website and provides detailed insights into the lived experiences of optical professionals and the systemic changes needed to address mistreatment in the workplace.

Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.