April Jasper, OD, FAAO, and Dori Carlson, OD, MAL, FAAO, sat down for a conversation on how ODs can recognize burnout in themselves and ways they can find their way back to well-being.
Clinical Report: Conversation on Burnout with Dori Carlson and April Jasper, Part 4
Overview
This discussion emphasizes engaging in passions outside of optometry practice to combat burnout. Key strategies mentioned include exercise, gratitude practices, and mindfulness in nature.
Background
Burnout is a significant concern among healthcare professionals, including optometrists. Understanding coping strategies is essential for maintaining mental health and job satisfaction.
Data Highlights
No numerical or trial data presented in this part of the conversation.
Key Findings
Engaging in cardiovascular exercise can improve mental health.
Practicing daily gratitude can shift focus from negatives to positives.
Neuroscience supports the mental health benefits of spending time in nature.
Starting team meetings with positive highlights can foster a supportive work environment.
Reducing phone notifications may help alleviate feelings of burnout.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should consider integrating personal passions and mindfulness practices into their routines.
Conclusion
Incorporating personal interests and mindfulness into daily practice may provide strategies for reducing burnout.
This week's research makes one thing clear: who someone is before they get sick — their relationships, their partner's health, the back of their eye — is doing a lot of work medicine is only beginning to account for.
Nicholas R. Green, OD, MPH, FAAO, stressed the importance of careful patient selection in his “Tips, Tricks, and New Technologies for In-Office Laser Procedures” presentation at Optometry’s Meeting 2026 in Phoenix, which covered SLT, LPI, and YAG. In this installment, we're covering SLT.
