Depression, anxiety, and stress among Polish optometrists: a cross-sectional study conducted two years after legal regulation of the profession

Abstract Mental health among healthcare workers is a major concern, as depression, anxiety, and stress contribute to burnout, medical errors, and suicide risk. In Poland, optometrists combine healthcare responsibilities with commercial pressures related to optical retail. In 2023, optometry was formally regulated under the Polish Act on Certain Medical Professions, introducing legal protections as well as new professional obligations that may increase occupational stress. Despite international evidence of elevated psychological distress among optometrists, no prior studies have examined mental health in this professional group in Poland using validated clinical screening instruments. A cross-sectional online survey using the DASS-21 questionnaire was conducted among 276 practising Polish optometrists between August and November 2025. Demographic and professional data were collected, and open-ended responses on occupational stress and burnout were analysed using conventional content analysis. Moderate-to-severe symptoms were reported by 44.9% of respondents for depression, 42.4% for anxiety, and 41.6% for stress. Female gender and lower income were associated with higher DASS-21 scores. Key stressors included excessive workload, inadequate salary, commercial pressure, and lack of professional recognition. Polish optometrists reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress that exceeds rates observed in the general Polish population and among optometrists in several other countries. Targeted mental health support and workplace reforms are urgently needed.