As an Optician with an Optometrist Vacancy:

As an Optician with an Optometrist Vacancy:

Having an optometrist vacancy in my business is a significant and stressful challenge, with far-reaching consequences across every part of the practice:

Effect on Sales:

An optometrist vacancy directly impacts our ability to generate revenue. Eye tests are at the core of the business, and without an optometrist, appointments are cancelled or delayed. This not only affects the immediate income from consultations but also the knock-on sales of glasses, contact lenses, and other products. Customers may choose to go elsewhere, and regaining their trust—and their business—becomes an uphill battle.

Effect on Team Workload:

The remaining staff, including optical assistants and myself, are left scrambling to manage the fallout. Receptionists are dealing with frustrated customers, and assistants are trying to field questions that would normally go to the optometrist. Everyone is stretched thin, leading to fatigue and burnout. The team’s frustration grows as they face constant pressure to compensate for the missing optometrist.

Effect on Customer Service:

Customer service takes a severe hit. Patients rely on us for timely, professional care, and without an optometrist, we can’t meet their expectations. Waiting lists grow, and patients start looking elsewhere for quicker appointments. The sense of trust and loyalty we’ve built with our customers erodes, and negative reviews or word-of-mouth complaints can seriously damage our reputation.

Effect on My Stress and Mental Health:

For me personally, the stress is immense. I feel a constant weight knowing that my team is struggling and my patients are unhappy. The responsibility to find a solution while keeping the business running falls entirely on me, and it feels overwhelming. I worry about the long-term damage to my practice, the financial losses, and the impact on the team’s morale. It’s difficult to see a way forward when I’m stuck trying to cover all bases.

The Pain of Being Without an Optometrist:

This vacancy is more than a gap in the team; it’s a critical loss that disrupts the entire business. Every day without an optometrist feels like we’re falling further behind, both in serving our patients and meeting financial goals. The pain isn’t just operational—it’s deeply emotional, as I feel I’m letting down my team and my patients.

How Inspired Recruitment Could Solve This Problem:

Inspired Recruitment would be a game-changer for me in this situation. Your expertise in the optical sector and understanding of the critical role an optometrist plays gives me confidence that you can deliver the perfect candidate. Here’s how you could help:

• Swift Resolution: You’d fill the role quickly, minimising further disruption to the practice.

• High-Quality Candidates: I trust that you’d find someone with the right skills, qualifications, and a personality that fits seamlessly into my team and culture.

• Ongoing Support: The reassurance that you’re not just placing a candidate but partnering with me to ensure their success would alleviate so much of my stress.

What It Would Mean to Me and the Business:

Having the optometrist vacancy filled by Inspired Recruitment would be transformative. It would mean:

• Restored Services: I could get the diary back on track, reduce waiting times, and rebuild customer trust and satisfaction.

• Improved Team Morale: My team would feel the pressure lift, allowing them to focus on their own roles rather than firefighting.

• Boosted Revenue: With an optometrist in place, we’d see an immediate return to generating income through eye tests, product recommendations, and sales.

• Reduced Stress: Personally, I’d feel a huge sense of relief, knowing my business is stable, my patients are cared for, and my team is supported.

Ultimately, Inspired Recruitment wouldn’t just fill the vacancy—you’d help me rebuild my business, restore balance, and regain my confidence as a leader. Your support would give me the time and energy to focus on growing the practice rather than constantly firefighting. That’s invaluable.

 Mark Goode

CEO Inspired Recruitment

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here