As a Dispensing Optician, should you choose to be a locum?
As the optical sector evolves, many qualified professionals are rethinking how they work. For dispensing opticians, locum work offers a unique opportunity to take control of their careers—providing greater flexibility, financial rewards, and professional variety. Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced DO looking for a change, working as a locum dispensing optician in the UK could be the ideal next step.
Why Choose Locum Work?
1. Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle
Locum work allows you to set your own schedule—working as often or as little as you prefer. Whether you’re balancing other commitments, looking to avoid burnout, or simply want to take more control over your diary, locuming offers the freedom to choose when and where you work.
2. Diverse Clinical Experience
By working across different practices—independents, multiples, and community-based opticians—you’ll gain exposure to varied dispensing environments and patient needs. Being a locum might not be the long term goal but it will certainly help you gain knowledge of different environments.
3. Competitive Pay Rates
Locum roles often provide higher daily or hourly rates compared to permanent positions, but it is worth remembering that locum work is not always guaranteed. If done correctly it can be very rewarding.
What to Expect as a Locum Dispensing Optician
While the freedom and flexibility are appealing, locum work also comes with responsibilities. You’re expected to adapt quickly, maintain a high standard of patient care, and represent both yourself and the agency professionally.
Key requirements include:
- Current GOC registration
- Valid Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Confidence using a variety of practice management systems
- Ability to manage your own bookings, availability, and invoices (if self-employed)
- A balance of both clinical and sales skills, a job well done will always lead to further work
How We Support Our Locum DOs
At Team Locum, we’re committed to making your locum experience smooth and rewarding. You will have a dedicated consultant that will work with you offering you work that we have available and speaking with potential clients on your behalf to generate further work.
We Offer
Access to nationwide and local opportunities
Assistance with compliance and onboarding
A responsive, experienced team who understands the optics industry
Getting Started
Whether you’re ready to go fully locum or want to test the waters with occasional shifts, we’re here to help
Ready to take the next step?
Register today with Team Locum https://app.teamlocum.co.uk/apply and let’s match you with your ideal locum roles.
Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 0121 451 2707 for a confidential chat.
