Representation of women in optometry has grown. In fact, women make up nearly half of practicing optometrists and a majority of new graduates1. But many continue to face social stigma, caregiving responsibilities and persistent pay disparities while meeting the same clinical demands as men. As a result, achieving true real work-life integration remains an ongoing effort, says Arti Shah, OD.
Early in her career, Dr. Shah was inspired by optometry’s balance of scientific rigor and flexibility to grow a career and a family. The profession has made major strides, but female optometrists still earn roughly $30,000 less than male colleagues even with comparable hours1. Nearly half are primary or sole earners in their families2, yet many shoulder most caregiving and household tasks. “This pressure drives real stress, and it’s something I hear echoed in almost every conversation with my peers,” Dr. Shah says. “The guilt and burnout are real, but so too is our resourcefulness and resilience.”
Drawing on personal experience and the ALIGN survey of 46 professionally engaged female optometrists, Dr. Shah explored evolving demographics, ongoing gender disparities and strategies women use to achieve greater career and life alignment.
LEARNING TO SAY NO
Wearing multiple hats is a way of life for many female optometrists. “I’ve had days where I’m jumping between patients, meetings or projects,” she says, describing the scramble that often leaves clinicians feeling perpetually behind. Dr. Shah is professional and academic affairs senior manager at CooperVision, maintains an active optometric practice within a group private practice setting and holds a medical staff position at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
“I used to think saying yes to everything was just part of being a dedicated professional and a good parent, but soon I realized I was running myself ragged.” This is why boundaries are essential as safeguards against resentment, exhaustion and burnout.
Dr. Shah cites the ALIGN survey, which found that 78% of women ODs who clarify their values and priorities reported more motivation and professional joy. “Priorities act as a compass,” she says. “You can’t do everything, but you can do what matters most to you.”
According to the ALIGN survey, half of the participants were not comfortable saying no, and nearly 90% felt guilty when protecting their own boundaries. “It’s a tough habit to break,” Dr. Shah says. Dr. Shah says that automated “out of office” replies, policies like “no work texts after 7 p.m.,” separate work and personal devices and the book “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High” can help reinforce those boundaries.
Tip: Todoist and Trello can help you sort and track your goals, and a quarterly reflection session with a journal or OneNote can help you keep your intentions front and center.
DELEGATE AND AUTOMATE
“I used to believe that if I wanted something done right or quickly, it was easier to do it myself,” Dr. Shah says. However, ODs who empower their team (whether it’s staff, a partner or kids) through delegation build leadership and free time for high-value work. “Delegation makes space for the work and life that only we can do while helping those around us build new skills and share in the journey.”
Tip: Explore automating routine processes in your EHR. Use communication platforms for patient reminders, Slack or Asana for team communication and AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Perplexity for idea generation. Use shared Google Calendars and Cozi to manage family affairs.
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE AND WELL-BEING
When self-care takes a back seat, everything else eventually suffers. Chronic stress, fatigue, lack of focus and more serious health problems can surface. “Experience has taught me that self-care is the foundation that allows me to show up for others,” Dr. Shah says.
Consistent self-care reduces anxiety, sharpens focus and boosts happiness. It also sets a powerful example that women’s health and well-being are valuable and nonnegotiable.
Tip: Dr. Shah uses apps like Peloton, MyFitnessPal and AllTrails for exercise; Calm, Headspace and Breethe for mindfulness; Reflectly for journaling; Amazon Kindle for reading; Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music for tunes. “I also make sure to schedule me time so that self-care remains part of my routine,” she says.
BUILD AND ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY
It’s all too common to feel the pressure to handle everything alone. But community builds confidence and provides practical and emotional backup when life gets tough. “Seeking support from peers, engaging in professional networks and finding mentorship can provide a sense of belonging,” Dr. Shah says. “For me, the American Academy of Optometry, work colleagues and my husband have provided invaluable support, and joining online and in-person practitioner groups, like Women In Optometry and ODs on Facebook, keeps me connected to networks that understand both my passion and pressures.”
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Few optometrists receive formal training in business or personal finance but treating financial management with the same rigor as clinical skills reduces anxiety and empowers better decisions.
Life feels more secure when we have a handle on our finances. “Financial clarity is a foundation for independence and peace of mind,” Dr. Shah says. QuickBooks has helped her better understand her practice numbers, and partnering with a financial advisor has brought clarity to her financial goals.
REDEFINING SUCCESS
Dr. Shah believes that female optometrists are redefining what success means in optometry. “By being honest about our challenges, sharing solutions and standing together, we can create careers and lives that align with our ambitions and values,” she says. “I invite you to make small changes, ask for support and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come.”
She says, “I want to extend my sincere thanks to the friends and colleagues who participated in the ALIGN survey, to my husband and daughter for their patience and support throughout the writing process, and to the AAO Merton C. Flom Leadership Academy for inspiring and encouraging me to pursue this work.”
References
- Changes and Challenges: The evolving optometric workforce. February 26, 2025. WO_ChangesChallenges_FINAL_LowRes_0125 (1).pdf
- Debt and Income Equations. Women In Optometry. February 24, 2025. https://www.womeninoptometry.com/alcon/article/optometrys-money-matters/
- Ansary, Ahemed Shamim. 14 Effective Tips To Implement Balance for Women Work-Life CareerCliff. May 5, 2024, 14 Effective Tips To Implement Work-Life Balance for Women – CareerCliff
- Chui, Anna Yuen-Ting. Work Life Balance for Women: What It Means & How to Find It. LifeHack. September 11, 2023, Work Life Balance for Women: What It Means & How to Find It – LifeHack
