In this thesis we conducted a survey of the level of well-being at work of opticians and optometrists. The point of view used in this thesis was more from the requirements of the profession than from personal well-being. Thesis was conducted in association with the Finnish Optometry Professions Association. The last time optician’s well-being at work was studied, was ten years ago, so the research topic was current as the optical field had underwent development in the last decade.

The aim of this thesis was to identify and bring attention to possible problems or deficiencies in optical field, so that they could be managed. The priority was to possibly improve well-being at work in optical field. Thesis had two main questions: At what level is the well-being at work of opticians and optometrists at the time the survey was conducted? How had the development of the optical field affected well-being at work?

The thesis is a quantitative study which we conducted by an online survey. The survey was sent to all Finnish Optometry Professions Association’s members via newsletter. The survey included personal information, educational information, work situation, tasks at work, experiences of the working community, sick leave, and one’s own well-being at work. The response rate to the survey was 9 %. In analyzing the results of the survey, we used a program called Webropol, which allows the anonymity of the respondent.

According to the results of this thesis, the level of the opticians’ and optometrists’ well-being at work was at moderate level. The results did not reveal any major issues in the optical field. However, the results manifested few matters that needs to be addressed, like tight research times and concerns about workload and pressure. The development of the field in a more clinical direction was not considered as negative factor in well-being at work. Sick leaves were higher than in the previous study by three percent. Work atmosphere was mainly experienced as good, and it did not have a noticeable connection to sick leaves. In general, recovery from work was considered as good.

The results of this thesis may be used in the development of the optical field and in preventing future problems. Our associates can use the results to prevent and highlight problems in our field. In this way we can further improve the well-being of opticians and optometrists. In following studies one could research work well-being in general and how optical field in Finland could transfer from free eye examinations.