Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Acceptance-Based Stress Management for Optical Practice Staff.

This course describes acceptance-based ways to respond to stress without trying to control every difficult thought or feeling. The resources below cover optical practice standards, workplace stress, acceptance, mindfulness and routes to official support.

1. Optical Practice and Workplace Guidance

• General Optical Council - Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
  Professional standards covering patient care, communication, safety, honesty, boundaries and working within competence.
  https://optical.org/standards-and-guidance/standards/standards-of-practice-for-optometrists-and-dispens.html

• General Optical Council - Standards for Optical Businesses
  Standards for businesses providing optical care, including governance, safety, complaints, staff support and systems that protect patients.
  https://optical.org/en/standards-and-guidance/standards-for-optical-businesses/

• HSE - Stress and mental health at work
  Health and Safety Executive guidance on work-related stress, risk assessment, management standards and employer responsibilities.
  https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

• NICE - Mental wellbeing at work (NG212)
  UK guidance on creating conditions that support mental wellbeing at work, including organisational and managerial action.
  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng212

2. Acceptance, Mindfulness and Practical Self-Help

• NHS - Mindfulness
  NHS guidance on mindfulness, present-moment awareness and how it may support mental wellbeing.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/mindfulness/

• NHS Inform - Breathing and relaxation exercises
  Practical breathing and relaxation guidance for grounding and short resets.
  https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises/

• Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - Techniques to help you
  Psychological wellbeing techniques, including acceptance-based, grounding and mindfulness approaches.
  https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/our-services/health-psychology/techniques-help-you

3. Wider UK Support and Self-Help

• NHS - Stress
  Plain-language information on stress, common signs and practical steps for getting support.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

• NHS - Self-help guides, tools and activities
  Self-help materials to support reflection, coping skills and signposting when stress persists.
  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/

• nidirect - Workplace stress
  Northern Ireland government guidance on workplace stress, warning signs, responsibilities and practical next steps.
  https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/workplace-stress

Use this list to develop practical stress-management skills, support wellbeing at work and find official sources of help when self-help is insufficient.