SUNY Optometry is committed to finding what makes optometrists flourish in their careers. As a result, we are excited to share the results of a new national study exploring this important question. The Happiness Report in Optometr yprovides a data‑driven perspective on what elevates — or erodes — well‑being in our field.

Based on feedback from more than 400 optometrists across the U.S. and Canada, the report reveals:

  • The workplace factors that most strongly predict happiness and job satisfaction.
  • How happiness evolves across different career stages.
  • What optometrists say they need for greater well‑being — in their own words.

These findings offer actionable takeaways for practice leaders and employers, demonstrating that happiness isn’t random, it can be cultivated. Grounded in the PERMAH framework (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, Health), this research helps us understand how to build environments where practitioners can truly thrive.

Happiness Report: What Drives Happiness & Flourishing in Optometry
Request Report
Take the Survey

Report Highlights: Most optometrists are happy: About three‑quarters of respondents said they were happy in their current jobs, and roughly the same proportion were satisfied or very satisfied with their work.

Workplace happiness feels attainable: More than 95 % agreed that happiness at work is possible, and around 70 % felt their job contributes significantly to their overall happiness.

What makes the work fulfilling: Respondents rated “making a positive impact on patients’ lives,” using their talents, solving complex problems and meeting interesting people as the most rewarding aspects of their roles. Open‑ended answers highlighted supportive colleagues, autonomy and flexibility, fair leadership, professional growth, good work–life balance, financial security and a sense of purpose as key happiness drivers.

Where employers can improve: Top requests included fair pay and benefits, reasonable patient loads and schedules, more autonomy, better communication and management, clear growth paths, meaningful recognition, adequate staffing and less red tape.

Who’s happiest: Late‑career and higher‑income optometrists reported stronger belief in workplace happiness and higher job satisfaction than early‑career and lower‑income peers, though overall happiness did not differ by career stage.

Insights from regression analysis: A regression of PERMAH factors found that cultivating a sense of purpose, achieving work–life balance, promoting mental well‑being, feeling career progress, experiencing positive emotions, gaining financial security and engaging with admired colleagues were the strongest predictors of overall happiness. Together these variables explained about 72 % of the variance in reported happiness, highlighting the importance of meaning, balance and supportive relationships in the workplace.