How do Australian optometrists manage work-related physical discomfort?

BACKGROUND: Work-related physical discomfort exists within the optometric profession. It is not well understood how optometrists manage this issue in their workplaces. METHOD: An online questionnaire was sent by e-mail to approximately 1,700 Australian optometrists. Participants were asked if they experienced work-related discomfort in any of eight nominated body regions. If so, they were asked to describe specific work tasks, which contribute to their work-related discomfort, and strategies they have adopted to minimise their discomfort. These data were subject to qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS: There was a 25 per cent response rate and 416 optometrists participated in the questionnaire. Work-related physical discomfort was reported by 339 respondents (81 per cent), most commonly with the use of the phoropter (n = 144, 35 per cent) and slitlamp (n = 94, 23 per cent). Males were more likely to report lower back discomfort with phoropter use (Chi-squared, p < 0.01) and ophthalmoscopy (Chi-squared, p < 0.01). To minimise discomfort, optometrists 41 years and older were more likely to report that they adjust their posture (Chi-squared, p < 0.03) and females were more likely to report that they alter their work schedule (Chi-squared, p < 0.05). A recurrent theme expressed by participants was an inability to make changes to improve their comfort due to room and equipment design, poorly maintained equipment, non-supply of suitable equipment or furniture and inherent difficulties within optometric tasks. CONCLUSION: There is a need for all optometrists to have skills to evaluate their own personal risk of discomfort in the consultation room. Owners and managers of optometric practices also need greater awareness of the importance of room and equipment design and maintenance on work-related discomfort. This has implications for the well-being of optometrists, for their productivity and for compliance with health and safety legislation.

Risk factors for physical discomfort in Australian optometrists.

PURPOSE: There are anecdotal reports that optometrists suffer work-related physical discomfort but no published reports to support this. METHODS: An on-line questionnaire was sent by e-mail to ∼1700 Australian optometrists. Participants were asked if they experienced work-related discomfort in any of eight nominated body regions, the type and severity of discomfort, self-reported work-related factors contributing to the discomfort, and demographic and work-related information. RESULTS: Four hundred sixteen optometrists participated in the questionnaire. Work-related physical discomfort was reported by 82% of respondents. The most common sites of discomfort were neck, shoulder, and lower back. Univariate analysis revealed that females are more likely to report discomfort than males (p = 0.001) and more likely to report a higher number of discomfort sites (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that females have up to a 6.6× [confidence interval (CI) = 2.2-19.9] greater risk of reporting discomfort in individual body locations compared with males and a higher risk of experiencing severe discomfort (discomfort present for >30 days) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, CI = 1.7 to 5.5]. A greater number of eye examinations per day increased the risk of reporting work-related discomfort by up to 5.1× (CI = 2.1 to 12.7). Being self-employed and being older than 40 years both appear to be protective factors for work-related discomfort. The risk of experiencing severe discomfort is increased by performing repetitive tasks (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.2 to 3.1) and by continuing to work while injured (OR = 2.9, CI = 1.6 to 5.2). Eliminating both these factors would reduce the disease load for severe discomfort by 28%. CONCLUSIONS: Females, young optometrists, and those conducting a high number of consultations daily have a higher risk of experiencing work-related physical discomfort. Performing repetitive tasks and continuing to work while injured increases the risk of severe discomfort. The results of this investigation have important implications for the longevity of the optometry workforce.