Preparing for burnout before it happens

In an exclusive interview with Optometry Times, Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FMCP, FOWNS, CFMP, explores burnout in optometry as a multifactorial issue that must be addressed at both the system/infrastructure level and the level of individual resilience. She stresses that if practitioners themselves are not well, they cannot effectively teach wellness or provide the high standard of patient care they aspire to deliver. Citing broader health care literature, Gioia notes that practitioner wellness is strongly linked to quality of care and outcomes.

Over the past decade, there has been a welcome increase in educational pathways and continuing education coursework that explicitly show clinicians how to integrate wellness strategies into their clinical setting. These tools are not just for patients; optometrists can apply the same lifestyle and stress‑mitigation techniques to themselves, thereby improving their resilience as stress accumulates over time.

Gioia highlights optometry’s long-standing role in nutrition and wellness, arguing that the profession is well positioned to lead in this space. Engagement with organizations such as the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society (OWNS) is described as both professionally and personally protective against burnout. By focusing on evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle interventions that benefit ocular and systemic health, practitioners often feel more impactful, which can, in turn, mitigate feelings of burnout. The society is commended for weaving together evidence-based stress-reduction and nutritional strategies that support the well-being of both doctors and patients.

A major focal point is empowering students and early-career optometrists. Gioia rejects the notion that one’s first job after graduation defines the rest of a career. Instead, she emphasized that optometrists can change practice models, explore subspecialties, or transition into different roles if their current environment is unhealthy or unsatisfying. Recognizing early signs of burnout—well before reaching a state of hopelessness—is crucial. Gioia notes encouraging trends: Optometry schools are increasingly integrating stress-mitigation content, fostering awareness, and normalizing conversations around burnout.

Professional organizations such as the American Optometric Association are important allies, particularly in preserving optometric independence and advocating at the legislative level. Involvement in these efforts can foster greater professional engagement, a sense of agency, and improved work-life balance. Gioia stresses the value of support networks and like-minded peer groups, whether within state associations, OWNS, or other optometric communities.

Finally, Gioia reflects on the broader cultural shift: 15 years ago, openly discussing burnout would have been rare or discouraged. Today, the strong reception of burnout research and surveys shows that the profession is more willing to acknowledge and confront these issues. Collecting data is essential to “prove” the scope of the problem and to justify implementing structural and educational interventions. Gioia views this growing openness and reliance on data as a significant, positive step toward sustainable well-being in optometry.