Pros and cons of locum work for optometrists—Uncover the real benefits and trade-offs of freelance optometry in the UK, with insights from real optoms and experts in 2025.
Pros and Cons of Locum Work for Optometrists
If you're an optometrist in the UK—or soon to be one—you’ve likely wondered whether locum work could be the smart move for your career. Flexible hours, varied practice settings, and high day rates certainly sound appealing. But what’s the catch?
In this guide, we break down the real pros and cons of locum work for optometrists, backed by expert opinion, industry insights, and experiences shared by working eye care professionals.
What Is Locum Work in Optometry?
Locum optometry involves working on a temporary or freelance basis, filling short-term vacancies in optical practices, hospitals, or mobile clinics. Locums aren’t tied to a single employer—they choose when and where to work, often through agencies or direct bookings.
This model is especially popular in the UK, where a growing demand for flexible healthcare services meets a workforce eager for control, variety, and better pay.
The Pros of Locum Work for Optometrists
Higher Earning Potential
Let’s address the elephant in the room—money. Locum optometrists often earn more per shift than their permanently employed counterparts. In 2025, many locums report:
- £300 to £500 per day, and
- Some even reach £100,000 annually if fully booked throughout the year.
This earning potential rises in rural areas or when covering weekends, bank holidays, or last-minute gaps.
Greater Schedule Flexibility
One of the top benefits of locum work is total control over your schedule. You can:
- Choose when and where to work
- Take breaks without approval
- Design your rota around holidays or personal projects
This lifestyle freedom is particularly attractive for parents, frequent travellers, and those managing other responsibilities.
Diverse Clinical Experience
Locum work exposes you to various clinical environments, EHR systems, and patient demographics. It’s a fast track to building experience in:
- High street chains like Specsavers, Vision Express
- Independent boutique clinics
- NHS and hospital settings
This exposure can sharpen your skills and make your CV stand out.
Less Long-Term Responsibility
Unlike permanent roles, locum optometrists:
- Don’t manage staff
- Aren’t tied to sales targets
- Avoid practice politics
You come in, do your clinical work, and leave without being roped into managerial duties.
Easy Exploration of Niche Services
Locuming also lets you explore specialty areas like:
- Low vision services
- Glaucoma clinics
- MECS (Minor Eye Conditions Service)
You can see how other practitioners use these in the short-term, before deciding to specialise yourself.
The Cons of Locum Work for Optometrists
Variable Income Streams
Yes, you can earn more—but only if work is available. If clinics cancel, bookings dry up, or travel isn’t viable, you may face unexpected income gaps.
Unlike salaried staff, locums don’t get paid if they’re not working.
Heavy Administrative Burden
As a freelance professional, you must manage:
- Your own tax filings
- Professional indemnity insurance
- HMRC registration
- CPD tracking and GOC compliance
There’s no HR department to guide you—you're your own business manager.
Lack of Workplace Stability
Locums often miss out on:
- Deep colleague relationships
- Mentorship from senior optometrists
- Support from permanent teams
If you value belonging and continuity, this can be isolating.
No Traditional Employment Benefits
Locums don’t receive:
- Paid sick leave
- Holiday pay
- Employer pension contributions
- Redundancy cover
All of this must be self-funded or saved from your income.
Frequent Transitions and Adjustment Stress
Every new clinic might mean:
- New staff and workflows
- Different booking systems
- Varying equipment or exam protocols
Adjusting constantly can be tiring and stressful, particularly if you're new to the profession.
Advice from The Optom Coach and Other Experts
The Optom Coach emphasizes one key truth: locum work can be highly rewarding—but only with the right systems in place.
They recommend:
- Having a community of experienced locum optometrists to guide you intially
- Working in a variety of settings, to know what type of optometry fits you
- Building long-term relationships with practices for work
- Making use of being your own boss: take breaks and design a schedule which you enjoy - don't just copy the 9-5 5 days a week employment schedule if that's not what you enjoy
Experience shows that proactive planning equals sustainable success in the locum world.
Is Locum Work Right for You?
Locum work is best suited for optometrists who:
- Value freedom and flexibility
- Want to earn more
- Are confident in independent decision-making
- Can handle paperwork and compliance
- Don’t mind the hustle of booking shifts
It may not suit those who prefer:
- A structured, team-based environment
- Predictable but lower monthly income
- On-the-job mentorship
- Employer-provided benefits
FAQs: Pros and Cons of Locum Optometry
Q1: Can newly qualified optometrists start as locums?
Yes if under a guided and supportive community with experienced locum optometrist(s), but it’s generally recommended to gain at least 6–12 months’ experience first.
Q2: Is locum work more stressful?
It depends—some find the freedom liberating; others find the constant transitions draining.
Q3: Do locums have to pay their own insurance?
Yes, including professional indemnity and business liability.
Q4: Are there career growth opportunities in locum roles?
Indirectly. While promotions aren’t typical, the varied experience can open doors to specialisations or consulting.
Q5: Can I combine locum and part-time permanent work?
Absolutely. Many optometrists use this hybrid model for balance.
Q6: Is locum work future-proof?
Demand is growing, especially in rural areas and for flexible cover. But tech and AI trends may reshape the field.
Conclusion
Locum optometry offers exciting benefits: higher pay, freedom, and exposure to diverse environments. But these perks come at the cost of security, structure, and additional responsibilities.
Whether you're a newly qualified optometrist or considering a mid-career switch, understanding the pros and cons of locum work is crucial before making your move.
With the right preparation, mindset, and support, it could be one of the most rewarding ways to build your career in UK optometry.