Introduction

If you have followed The Eye Care Advocate (or know me as a person) I always try and maintain a professional and guarded approach to my content. Whilst this works for many, sometimes I can imagine it can make me appear less human and talking as though I have never struggled in my journey to the optometrist that I am today. Therefore I’m taking my gloves off and lowering my mask to share with you some common limiting beliefs that can hold you back from becoming the best optometrist that you can be. How do I know these are limiting beliefs? Because I had, and on occasion still do, have them myself!

There’s a whole lot of misinformation on optometry and professional growth, which is why it’s easy to feel defeated when you’re doing everything “right” and still not feeling competent. Before I learned how to thrive in my optometry career, I tried every guide and article I could find. Expert #1 would say do endless hours of research and study, whilst expert #2 would say do countless hours of practical exercises. Both can’t be right, can they? Well they may be right for themselves, but every person has their own way to achieve the growth they desire and you won’t get all you need from one source.

Many people think that keeping to yourself is the best way to advance because you avoid the risk of being judged. Others aren’t ready to admit that they feel inadequate, making it harder for them to reach their full potential. I learned that if self-doubt is restricts professional growth, and if you are experiencing self-doubt then you need support. You absolutely should NOT isolate yourself!

I was concerned my tests were too slow, the cylinder axis was going to be wrong or I was going to miss key findings despite looking for them. A chat with my supervisors during pre-registration and other peers once qualified helped me to alleviate these concerns and guide me on the correct path to improve upon them. (I’ll be forever thankful to Helen, Mike, Cerys and Barbara for imparting their experience as my supervisors – as they helped me become the optometrist I am today!)

Once I finally started opening up about my fears and seeking mentorship, the transformation was liberating. You can do it too! Read on for some sneaky limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from confidence and success, and how to turn them into your superpowers.

Limiting Belief #1 “I Must Know Everything Before I Can Start Practicing as an Optometrist”

I was certainly guilty of having this belief. The number of “what ifs” in my mind before each clinic scared me. What if I forget a test? What if I misinterpret a test result? What if a patient comes to me for help and I cannot find a way to solve their query? What if I mess up? What if the only way I can do the job properly is by knowing all there is to know about optometry and my university degree didn’t cover it?

Well, with a decade of experience – those “what ifs” aren’t something to be scared of. The best optometrist in the world will not run every test they thought they needed in university. Many tests will be open to interpretation and need to be used in conjunction with other tests. Some patients present with symptoms and signs that you cannot help them with directly (although you can still help them be it through a referral or advice). Nobody can ever know everything there is to know about optometry (it’s why we still have significant efforts in research in the field) and it is knowing what to do when you don’t know the answer is what counts!

How to turn this belief into your superpower: First, challenge the belief. After all, it’s just a belief and you have no proof that it’s reality (spoiler: it’s NOT!) Ask yourself why you think you need to know everything. Is it that you fear making mistakes? You want to impress your peers? Once you have the answers, think about what it would be like to embrace learning as you go. What would it be like to grow through experience? Would it make it more rewarding and educational? You don’t have to take action now. Just let it sit with you and try to broaden your perspective. Keep challenging yourself. When you’re ready, try reaching out for mentorship. Here are a few resources available:

• Imposter Syndrome Institute:
  The Imposter Syndrome Institute provides information, insight and tools to both organisations and individuals. Their mission is to stamp out imposter syndrome and their website contains many useful resources to help people both understand and manage their imposter syndrome.

• AOP Peer Support Line 0800 870 8401:
  The AOP Peer Support Line is a confidential, free-phone helpline for individuals (members and non-members) at any stage of their optical career to call and discuss their problems with a trained, empathetic peer who recognises the pressures of optical practice.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
  Whilst this doesn’t tackle imposter syndrome or the associated beliefs, regularly completing your CPD requirements and staying on top of latest developments will mean you are continuously exposed to the latest developments in the field. The more you know, the less likely you are to feel that you don’t know anything!
  Great resources for CPD include The College of Optometrists and Optometry Today.

• The Eye Care Advocate Skill Centre
  There are additional resources on this website that will help you grow – both in theory and skill. Whilst currently not offering any official CPD, articles and skills can help with understanding the content of optometry and with this additional knowledge there will be power!

For me, the unknown is now seen as an opportunity to grow – a topic for research and discussion with peers. Quite often these discussions reveal that many other optometrists were also unaware of the point you were trying to find out – so you’ll be relieved that you aren’t the only one not knowing AND you’ll be able to further the growth and development of your peers.

Limiting Belief #2 “I’m Not as Skilled as My Optometrist Peers“

It’s a familiar feeling in the early stages of any career, especially in a field as demanding as optometry. You look around and see colleagues who seem to handle every challenge with ease, and it’s natural to feel that you’re not measuring up. This belief often arises from comparing your own progress with others, forgetting that they too had their own struggles and learning curves. It’s important to remember that skill is not innate; it’s developed through experience, practice, and perseverance.

Even a decade after qualification I still browse LinkedIn and see peers that I attended university with, with many having many more letters after their name than I do. Does it affect me? Perhaps a little, seeing they are more qualified in areas than I am – but does it bother me? Not really. I’ve carved my own pathway through optometry and have my own sets of qualifications and skills that they do not have.

That’s not to say that I am more qualified than they are, nor that I am a better optometrist than they are. We are all have our own skills, traits and values that we can bring to the profession and where I may lack expertise, they will cover and vice-versa.

How to turn this belief into your superpower: The key is to shift your focus from comparison to personal growth. Recognise that every expert started as a novice, and they reached proficiency through continuous learning and dedication. Celebrate your own milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Seek constructive feedback to improve, rather than seeking approval. This mindset will not only enhance your skills but also contribute to a more collaborative and diverse professional environment. Each optometrist has a unique set of skills and insights that enrich the field, and your contributions are just as valuable.

Instead of dwelling on how you stack up against your peers, concentrate on carving out your own niche. What can you bring to the table that’s uniquely yours? Perhaps it’s a fresh perspective on patient care, innovative ideas for practice management, or a knack for connecting with patients. By focusing on your strengths and working to improve your weaknesses, you’ll find that your skillset will naturally expand. And as you grow more confident in your abilities, you’ll find that the comparison to others becomes less significant. You are on your own path, and it’s one worth celebrating at every step.

Limiting Belief #3 “I Can’t Keep Up with the Latest Research in Optometry Whilst Simultaneously Working as an Optometrist”

It’s common to feel inundated by the sheer volume of new research and technological advancements. This can lead to a sense of inadequacy and the fear that you’re falling behind your contemporaries. However, it’s crucial to recognise that no one can know everything, and staying informed is a collective effort, not a solitary race.

Myopia control. Ophthalmic imaging techniques. New treatment therapies. Treatment for once untreatable conditions. Innovative new contact lens designs and materials. All this and more have advanced significantly since I qualified in 2014. It’s quite easy to think that graduation marks the end of the learning, but it is actually just the beginning.

Whilst there are so many advancements, the important thing to remember is to be aware of the advancements and what to do if a patient presents to you where you think they would benefit. It is unlikely you will be a master of all in the field, but working within your own scope of practice and knowing when to refer to a colleague or other professional is the key take home here.

How to turn this belief into your superpower: Transform this challenge into an opportunity by integrating lifelong learning into your identity as an optometrist. Dedicate regular time slots for education, and prioritise understanding core principles, which will serve as a foundation for acquiring new information. Embrace collaboration with your peers; sharing insights and discussing recent studies can make the learning process more manageable and enjoyable. This not only keeps you updated but also fosters a supportive professional network.

Adopt a growth mindset that views every piece of new information as a chance to expand your expertise. Utilise resources like journals, online courses, and professional networks to stay abreast of developments. Remember, every expert in your field has faced the same challenge and has continued to grow by remaining curious and open-minded. By doing so, you’ll not only keep up with the latest research but also contribute to it with your own findings and experiences.

Limiting Belief #4 “My Ideas Aren’t Good Enough to Share With Other Optometrists”

It’s not uncommon for optometrists, especially those new to the field, to hesitate in sharing their ideas out of fear that they might not be well-received. This self-censorship is often rooted in a fear of criticism or rejection. However, it’s essential to recognise that every idea has the potential to spark innovation and contribute to the collective knowledge of the profession.

Admittedly, I’ve faced challenges in this area, but I’m committed to continuous improvement. The concept of The Eye Care Advocate has been brewing since my days as a pre-registration student, seeking a platform to share my insights, ideas, and discoveries to fellow professionals and the public. This website, launched in late 2023, marks the point where I felt sufficiently equipped to contribute my voice and experiences.

Since its inception, I’ve experienced significant professional growth. Engaging with peers through social media, local optometry groups, discussion boards, and professional organisations has not only shifted how I’m perceived as a professional but has also bolstered my confidence and encouraged me to develop further. While some may attribute this to increased experience, I’ve observed some of my peers reaching these milestones earlier in their careers, likely due to their proactive community engagement— a quality for me that was yet to develop.

On a personal note, it may take me a while to post or reply to a comment, but when I believe I have something valuable to say—whether in a clinical setting or to a broader audience—I make it a point to express it. As long as it’s approached with tact, professionalism, and positive intent, the response from others is generally respectful. While the fear of criticism can be daunting, and sometimes used as an excuse to remain silent, such feedback often serves as a catalyst for deeper reflection and the exploration of new ideas and perspectives.

How to turn this belief into your superpower: Begin by acknowledging the value of your unique perspective. Your experiences and insights can provide fresh angles on existing challenges and inspire new solutions. Start small by sharing your thoughts with a trusted mentor or within a supportive peer group. This safe space can bolster your confidence and help you refine your ideas. As you become more comfortable, gradually expand your audience. The more you engage, the more you’ll realize the significant impact your contributions can make.

Building confidence in your voice is a process. It starts with the belief that your ideas are worth sharing. Each time you contribute to a discussion or present an idea, you’re not only offering something of value to others but also reinforcing your self-assurance. Remember, every expert in your field once stood where you are now, and their ideas were new to the community at one point. By sharing openly, you’ll not only enhance your own professional development but also play a part in advancing the field of optometry.

By embracing this belief, you empower yourself to become an active and contributing member of the optometry community, driving both personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our journey through the maze of self-doubt and limiting beliefs, remember that the path to becoming a confident optometrist is paved with challenges that are meant to be overcome. Embrace each doubt as an opportunity to grow, and each fear as a stepping stone to success. Your unique voice and perspective are invaluable to the field of optometry, and by pushing past the barriers of imposter syndrome, you’re not only affirming your own capabilities but also inspiring those who will follow in your footsteps. Stand tall, share your ideas, and let your confidence shine as brightly as your dedication to this profession.

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