Insights into burnout among optometrists in the United States: findings from a nationwide survey

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of burnout among optometrists in the United States and identify associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

A survey was distributed to optometrists via email listservs from the American Academy of Optometry and optometric societies. Participants completed a modified Mini Z Survey with 10 questions rated on Likert scale, followed by demographic questions. Burnout was classified as mild, moderate, or severe, with subgroup comparisons made using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

1436 optometrists responded. 53.6 % of respondents reported symptoms of burnout: 61.4 % mild, 30.4 % moderate, and 8.2 % severe. Females reported higher burnout rates than males (60.9 % vs. 40.6 %, p < 0.0001). Optometrists with a spouse/partner in healthcare reported lower burnout (47.7 %) compared to those without (55.3 %, p = 0.0035). Respondents with children reported less burnout (49.6 % vs. 61.0 %, p < 0.0001). Burnout was less prevalent among those practicing <5 years (51.1 %) and 30+ years (33.7 %) compared to mid-career (5–29 years). Average number of clinic days was associated with burnout severity. Electronic health record (EHR) use was associated with higher rates of burnout (p = 0.0040). Respondents in private practice and academic settings reported the lowest burnout rates.

Conclusions

Burnout is a significant concern among U.S. optometrists, with female optometrists disproportionately affected. Protective factors include male gender, having children, both shorter and longer commutes, and specific work settings. Risk factors include female gender, increased clinic days, higher patient volume, and EHR use. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies of burnout, intervention-based studies to evaluate mitigation strategies, and qualitative research to explore gender differences and work-related stressors in optometry.