Essential ergonomics: preventing Injury & prolonging careers in eye care

Eye care professionals dedicate their careers to protecting patients’ vision, but how often do they pause to protect their own physical health? Clinical roles such as optometrists and ophthalmologists are not only intellectually demanding but also physically taxing. The repetitive, high-precision tasks involved in eye examinations, diagnostics, and treatment can pose serious ergonomic challenges. Over time, these physical demands can contribute to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent musculoskeletal injuries.

A UK study found that 62.4% of consultant ophthalmologists reported back and/or neck pain¹. Similarly, 82% of Australian optometrists reported work-related discomfort², with female practitioners being particularly affected, often due to differences in stature and reach compared with their male counterparts.

Patient care remains the focus of clinical work, but practitioner wellbeing must not be overlooked. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness that ergonomics can play a crucial role in improving clinician health, preventing injury, and sustaining long-term careers.

To explore this further, we spoke with Anna Chen, a former optometrist who now works as a Product Manager at Haag-Streit UK. Drawing from her own experiences, Anna offers practical advice and insight into the hidden physical toll of clinical eye care and how to mitigate it.

Were you surprised by how common this issue is among other practitioners?

Not at all. Unfortunately, it’s a very common problem. We’re so focused on caring for patients that we sometimes forget to care for ourselves. This mindset needs to change. Discomfort isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that something in the work environment, or our habits, needs attention.

Conclusion: Care for yourself before you care for others

Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of a career in eye care. With the right ergonomic tools, smart work habits, and increased self-awareness, practitioners can reduce strain, prevent injury, and continue delivering excellent patient care for years to come.

Make small, practical adjustments. Reposition your equipment so that you aren’t straining to reach it. Make sure your chair and table are adjustable and at the correct height. Don’t underestimate the value of short breaks. Just 1-2 minutes of stretching between patients can help reset your posture and reduce tension.

Equipment plays a big role here. Haag-Streit’s new Elara 900 slit lamp (due to be launched September 2025) has been designed with ergonomics in mind. It features integrated inclined eyepieces that allow practitioners to maintain a more upright posture, along with intuitive, close-to-body controls to limit reaching and twisting. These design features make a huge difference when repeated throughout a busy clinic day.

Additionally, Haag-Streit offers an inclined eyepiece accessory that can be retrofitted to Haag-Streit slit lamps to improve spinal alignment during slit lamp exams.

Prioritising ergonomics isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical investment in the longevity of the profession.

1.       Hyer, J. N., Lee, R. M., Chowdhury, H. R., Smith, H. B., Dhital, A., & Khandwala, M. (2015). National survey of back & neck pain amongst consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. International Ophthalmology, 35(6), 769–775. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-015-0036-z

2.       Long, J. L., Naduvilath, T., Hao, L., Annie Yuansha Li, Ng, W., Yip, W., & Stapleton, F. (2011). Risk Factors for Physical Discomfort in Australian Optometrists. https://doi.org/10.1097/opx.0b013e3182045a8e

* Data taken from Haag-Streit USA White Paper "Prolonging Your Career: Why Ergonomic Design Matters for Eye Care Providers".