Giving and receiving feedback, especially when it’s constructive criticism, can be a real challenge. I’ve noticed this challenge a lot during my time working with optometry students, pre-registration students, and even with many qualified colleagues. We often seem to struggle with taking constructive criticism on board. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. Maybe it’s because our roles demand that we are so sure, so right, with everything we do. Or it could simply be that none of us really enjoy having our egos pricked.

Think about it. Many optometrists work alone in a testing room for years, sometimes decades. There’s no one there guiding or steering. So, when someone suddenly offers feedback or constructive criticism, it can feel quite jarring and hard to accept. As students, you’ve come from an academic setting where mistakes might mean a lower mark. But in clinic, the stakes are much higher. Errors can cost patients their money, impact their vision, and damage your own confidence and reputation.

This post is all about getting better at handling constructive criticism – both giving it and receiving it – so we can all use it to fuel our professional growth.

Why We Often Resist Constructive Criticism

So, why do many of us find constructive criticism so tough to swallow? As I mentioned, the stakes in eye care are high. We’re responsible for people’s sight. That pressure can make us defensive when our actions are questioned. There’s also our professional ego. We train hard, and we want to be seen as competent. Constructive criticism, if not delivered or received well, can feel like a direct hit to that.

Sometimes, it’s simply that we don’t like hearing we could have done something better. It’s human nature. However, this resistance to constructive criticism can genuinely hold us back. It can stop us from seeing areas where we could improve, learn new approaches, or refine our skills. The key is to reframe constructive criticism. It’s not meant to be an attack. When done right, it’s one of the most vital tools we have for our personal and professional development. It helps us see things we might otherwise miss.

Giving Feedback Effectively

Delivering constructive criticism effectively is an art form. You want it to be helpful, not hurtful. When I’m examining for university exams, it’s tough. You genuinely want to see students do well, but exams are often the first time you see someone perform under intense pressure. Sometimes, that pressure really gets to them. My aim with constructive criticism is always to ensure the student gains something valuable, even if their performance wasn’t top-notch. Even if they did brilliantly, I’ll offer small tips to make them even better, always balanced with praise for what they did well.

The goal is to give actionable feedback on their performance, not on them as a person. This helps protect their confidence, which is so important. So, when giving constructive criticism: be specific. Vague comments don’t help anyone. Focus on what they did, the actions they took. Try to give feedback reasonably soon after the event. And choose your setting carefully – a private, calm environment is usually best. Remember, the whole point of constructive criticism is to support improvement and learning.

Receiving Constructive Criticism Gracefully

Now, let’s flip to the other side: receiving constructive criticism. This is where it can get really personal for many of us.

I vividly remember my first “real patient” experience in university clinics. My supervisor told me, quite bluntly, that while my clinical work was safe, I’d only just scraped a pass. What let me down, he said, was my rapport building. Apparently, I was more “robot than clinician“, only talking in clinical terms. I was seething inside. Later that day, our clinic cohort was due to play badminton with that same supervisor. I really didn’t want to go. But I did, and nothing more was said about my performance and he treated me as if I were a friend. I realised he’d offered that constructive criticism purely to help me improve, not to have a dig.

That experience taught me a lot. When you receive constructive criticism, try to listen fully. Don’t interrupt or immediately start planning your defence. Ask questions if you need to clarify what they mean. It’s okay to feel an emotional reaction, but try to process it thoughtfully. Acknowledge the feedback, even a simple “thank you for telling me.” It’s usually about your actions, not your worth as a person.

Constructive Criticism in Action

Let’s think about how constructive criticism plays out. Imagine a pre-reg supervisor noticing a student consistently rushes through their history and symptoms, missing key details. Good constructive criticism here wouldn’t be “You’re not thorough enough.” Instead, it might be: “I’ve noticed in the last few patient encounters that we’ve missed opportunities to explore [specific symptom] further. Can we talk about how a more open questioning style here might help us gather a fuller picture?” This focuses on a specific behaviour and offers a way forward.

Conversely, I also recall a less encouraging moment early in my pre-reg. I bumped into a former university supervisor at a work event. “Oh, you’ve been stuck with him then?” he sneered, whilst speaking to my new pre-reg supervisor. Those few words, delivered with negative intent, shattered my confidence. Thankfully, my new pre-reg supervisor supported me immediately said, “We wouldn’t have wanted anyone else, and we’re pleased to have him.” That positive intervention rebuilt me. It showed how differently feedback, even casual comments, can land. Constructive criticism should aim to build up, not tear down.

Building a Practice Culture that Values Constructive Criticism

So, how can we create an environment in our practices and university departments where constructive criticism is seen as normal, helpful, and not something to dread?

For me, the ideal scene is where, if something isn’t quite right, it’s mentioned openly and discussed. Then, clear actions are put in place to improve things. It’s about avoiding a blame culture and steering clear of being unnecessarily harsh. Constructive criticism needs to be just that – constructive. It should allow for improvement, not destroy the person receiving it.

“Constructive criticism needs to be just that – constructive.”

Jason Searle – The Eye Care Advocate

Senior staff and leaders play a massive role here. They need to model good feedback habits themselves – both in how they give constructive criticism and how they receive it. When a team feels safe to offer and accept constructive criticism, everyone benefits. Skills improve, patient care gets better, and you build a stronger, more resilient team that’s always learning and adapting. It’s about fostering a growth mindset across the board.

Conclusion: Embracing Constructive Criticism for a Stronger Profession

We’ve talked through the ins and outs of constructive criticism – why it can be hard, how to give it well, and how to receive it gracefully. It truly is a two-way street. It’s a skill that all of us, from first-year students to seasoned optometrists, can develop and refine with practice.

My biggest piece of advice? Don’t take constructive criticism too personally. Try to use it as a springboard, a learning moment. Reflect on what’s been said and see how you can work on it. After all, if we don’t become aware of our flaws or areas for development, how on earth will we ever improve them? Embracing constructive criticism, even when it stings a little, helps us all become better, more effective practitioners. It strengthens our profession as a whole.

Now, over to you: Have you faced a challenging situation involving constructive criticism, either giving or receiving? What are your tips for handling these conversations? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Enjoyed this article? Check out more articles for optometry students and pre-registration optometrists here!

Further Reading

The following books are recommended for those who wish to learn more.

Please note; The Eye Care Advocate receives a small commission from any Amazon purchases made through these links. This does not affect the final cost of the product to you. As these products are produced and sold by third parties, The Eye Care Advocate cannot be held responsible for any purchases made.

Delivering Constructive Criticism in the Workplace
by Lori Gillin

Constructive Feedback and Criticism
by Sorin Dumitrascu

The Feedback Formula: How to Share Constructive Criticism that Works
by Marsha Egan