Amid news of suicides among healthcare professionals and “disturbing figures from studies underscoring the pressing need for increased mental health support within the Australian optometry sector”, Optometry Australia (OA) has raised concerns about the wellbeing of its 4,000-plus members.

OA cited a 2019 Queensland University of Technology survey in which 31% of Australian optometrists reported depression and anxiety, and moderate to severe psychological distress. The same survey showed the prevalence of high burnout was 56%, with optometrists younger than 30 3.5 times more likely to report moderate to severe psychological distress compared with their older peers. Factors such as high demands, economic uncertainty and, for many, reduced energy, resulting from Covid-19’s impact, have been shown to have a profound and prolonged impact on healthcare workers, said OA. This was echoed by crisis support service Lifeline’s March 2023 statement saying its suicide prevention and general helplines had set new records for requests for help from Australians.

In response, OA ran a campaign in May encouraging optometrists to get involved with ‘Eye opt to push up’, and complete a sponsored 3,144 push-ups in June, one for each Australian who committed suicide in 2021.

OA also offers members free coaching and counselling, and advice for complex legal issues, audits and other issues.