Key Takeaways Burnout among VA optometrists increased substantially from 2018 to 2024, approaching nearly half of providers in recent years Higher burnout rates were observed among women, younger clinicians, supervisors, and those working in rural settings The findings highlight a need for system-level interventions to support provider well-being and maintain quality of care for veterans A new study examining optometrists working within the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has found a troubling rise in burnout over recent years, highlighting growing concerns about workforce well-being in one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems.1 The study analyzed responses from more than 4,500 optometrists collected through the VA’s All Employee Survey between 2018 and 2024. Researchers found that reported burnout increased significantly during that period—from 36.9% in 2018 to approximately 47% in the most recent years studied. Burnout was assessed using components of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, focusing on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization—two key indicators of professional strain. The analysis revealed that burnout was not evenly distributed across the workforce. Female optometrists, supervisors, and those in managerial roles reported higher levels of burnout compared to their peers. Additionally, optometrists aged 30 to 39 and those working in rural medical centers were more likely to experience burnout. Geographic differences also emerged, with higher rates reported outside the Northeastern United States. These findings suggest that both demographic and workplace factors may contribute to increased stress levels. The results align with wider trends seen across healthcare professions, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Large-scale studies within the VA system have shown that burnout surged during the pandemic and, although it has slightly declined, remains above pre-pandemic levels. Researchers warn that rising burnout among optometrists could have downstream effects on patient care, particularly for veterans who rely on VA services. Burnout has been linked in prior research to reduced job satisfaction, increased turnover, and potential impacts on clinical performance. The study emphasizes that addressing burnout will require system-level interventions rather than solely focusing on individual resilience. Suggested approaches include improving workplace conditions, addressing staffing challenges, and providing targeted support for higher-risk groups such as women and rural practitioners. The VA has already begun implementing initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being, but researchers say more targeted strategies are needed to reverse current trends. Reference 1. Kim S, Rogers S, Mohr D. Trends in optometrist burnout in the Veterans Health Administration, 2018–2024. Optom Vis Sci. Published online February 2025.