Welcome

Work in high street optical practice brings recurring stressors that often cannot be removed immediately: competing patient and customer needs, short-notice changes, distressed behaviour, family concerns, documentation, handovers and the emotional burden of care. Acceptance-Based Stress Management (ABS) reduces the additional strain that comes from fighting feelings or trying to control what cannot be controlled.

This course is for optical assistants, reception and administration staff, dispensing staff, dispensing opticians, optometrists, contact lens opticians, practice managers, supervisors, locums and other staff working in optical practice. It is written for a UK audience while recognising that employer policies, NHS/private service arrangements, professional responsibilities and support routes differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Acceptance is not surrendering, tolerating unsafe standards, or ignoring problems. It means noticing what is happening, separating what can be influenced from what cannot, and directing effort to the next useful action.

Why This Course Matters

• Resistance can increase stress: fighting unavoidable feelings or delays adds tension on top of the original pressure.
• Acceptance supports clearer action: naming reality helps staff decide what to do next.
• Control has limits: some pressures need acceptance, some need practical action, and some need escalation.
• Recovery matters: journaling, reflection and relaxation reduce rumination after difficult shifts.

How This Course Will Help You

By the end of the course you should be able to recognise where acceptance may reduce stress, distinguish controllable from uncontrollable pressures, use brief acceptance-based practices, and establish simple recovery habits that support steadier optical practice work.

Is this the right stress management course for you? We have many others for optical practice staff, covering different techniques. Click here for more info.