The idea of the subject for this thesis came from our own interest in improving work postures. An optometrist pays attention to customers ergonomics while doing a sight test but rarely thinks of their own work postures. The aim of this study was to find out how optometrists experience their own physical ergonomics. The objective was to get optometrists to pay attention to their own work postures.

The survey was executed as a quantitative study. The answers were collected electronically using Webropol. The link to the survey was sent via email to opticians and optometrists, who were currently employed and members of Finnish Professionals of Optometry.

The results showed that about a third of the respondents had some physical ailments. Most of the complaints were in the upper body and were caused by static work postures. Almost half of respondents felt that their workstation was functioning poorly or very poorly. The ergonomics of the computer workstation was also evaluated to be poor. Changing the work postures was the most favored way to improve one’s own physical ergonomics.

Furthermore, the design of workstations was not successful in all workplaces. To reduce physical ailments, the workstations should be designed in a way that the needs of the employees are considered. The workstations need to be unobstructed and have adjustable chairs, tables and lighting. It is also important to update equipment the employees use in their work. The results revealed, for example, that the respondents who use automated phoropter experienced less ailments than others.