More than half (56 per cent) of dispensing opticians (DOs) who responded to the 2024 General Optical Council (GOC) Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey said they were satisfied in their job/role over the past 12 months.
The reasons DOs gave for being satisfied in their work was that it was rewarding and interesting (64 per cent), they had a good working environment (64 per cent) and a good work/life balance (58 per cent).
Overall job satisfaction has dropped amongst all respondents, however, from 62 per cent in 2023 to 58 per cent this year. Dissatisfaction levels increased from 20 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent. Specifically, 27 per cent of DOs were actively dissatisfied because of: not feeling valued (68 per cent); poor salary (68 per cent); and a heavy workload (47 per cent).
The survey found that 28 per cent of DOs planned to gain additional qualifications, seven per cent planned to switch to locum work, and 22 per cent planned to leave the profession. The main reasons DOs gave for plans to leave the profession were: low salary (66 per cent); disillusionment with the profession (64 per cent); and to reduce stress, burnout or fatigue (44 per cent).
The survey also revealed a strong perception that GOC registration fees were unreasonable. Overall, 56 per cent of registrants who responded to the survey were more likely to disagree that the GOC charged reasonable registration fees. This figure for DOs was significantly higher – at 76 per cent.
Commenting on the findings, Alistair Bridge, ABDO CEO, said: “The GOC’s latest workforce perceptions survey highlights similar themes as our own member research carried out earlier this year. We will share key findings from this in the November/December issue of Dispensing Optics – and how we will be responding.
“The concern amongst dispensing opticians about GOC fees is understandable, given the dissatisfaction with the level of salaries” continued Alistair. ” We have consistently raised this issue with the GOC, which has acknowledged the level of concern amongst our members and undertaken to review its approach to fee setting.”
ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, added: “It was really positive to see that 28 per cent of DOs planned to gain additional qualifications and skills. ABDO is well placed to deliver this and will continue to support members with opportunities for advancement – be that via our extended services and management courses, our newly-updated contact lens certificate, and our new professional certificate in paediatric eyecare opening for registration this month.”
The GOC survey was conducted by Enventure Research. A total of 4,575 responses were received, representing 15 per cent of the registrant population.