Recently the Association of Optometrists shared a fantastic post about advice a young optometrist would give to Pre-Reg students - if you haven’t seen it we recommend checking it out (click here).

Locum work is exciting and varied as you are travelling to different locations, building experience and growing your network of fellow optometrists. It’s no wonder why many Optometrists choose to begin their career locuming.

However, we understand that there can be some challenges on the way so we have put together a few tips to keep in mind so you can continue to succeed as a locum!

Reputation Matters

Invisible PR matters and the optometry community in the UK is close-knit so bear in mind as you are travelling between stores the impression you leave behind. By making good impressions at stores you may find that they seek you out for shifts!

One great tip we often hear from our more experienced locum is making sure to ring the store before your shift. Just a quick 10min phone call to the Opticians the day before your shift leaves a fantastic impression. It also gives you the opportunity to find your feet and ask any questions you may have - particularly if you have never been to this store before. You can find out if they specialise in certain areas of optics or if there will be a higher volume of contact lens work than normal etc.

Take Your Time

When you first come in for a shift it can feel like a whirlwind to get started and start seeing patients straight away. However, it can be useful to take some time before seeing patients to get your bearings in the store. We recommend getting to your shift a little early to give yourself some time to prepare.

Get all your equipment set up, familiarise yourself with the systems and procedures and record cards. The last thing you want is to be learning all of these things while a patient is sitting in front of you!

Come Prepared

As a locum, you can reasonably expect the practice have the necessary equipment such as a trial set and/or phoropter, slit lamp, keratometer, frame rulers, a lens clock etc. However, it may be useful for you to carry some resources for yourself to make your clinics run smoother.

You may want to carry pre-prepared laminates, notes or leaflets with information you may want to keep handy. For example, you may want to keep information on different therapeutic drug information or a contact lens cheat sheet handy. Google is great - but if you’re in the middle of seeing a patient sometimes having this information to hand is easier.

Keep Good Records

Working as a locum it is essential you keep good records of your shifts for financial reasons. You must track income, expenses, mileage etc. and keep any invoices or receipts. This will make life a lot easier when it comes to completing your self-assessment come January.

If you are newly qualified, you may also want to maintain a work diary. One of the greatest benefits of locuming as a young optometrist is the ability to continue your learning. You never know what you may pick up when moving from store to store.

Stand Your Ground

It can seem daunting but don’t be afraid to stand your ground as a locum. Practices must ensure you are given adequate time to perform tests - at least 20 minutes. You should never feel under pressure to rush through tests or convert. Equally, you should be given appropriate time before and after patients to read and update records.

Remember it is YOUR Fitness to Practice that could be questioned. The last thing you want is to accidentally miss something because of external pressures.

Blogs like this can be useful reminders even if you have been locuming for some time. If we’ve made just one person think differently about how they approach their work, for the better, then it’s been a success.

Do you have any tips for locums? We would love to hear your comments.

If by chance you have not registered with us yet, you’re missing out on 5000 locum shifts every month. To make this really easy for you, you can register right here!