“It drives directly at the core of who we are as individuals”

Muslim optometrists have shared their experiences with OT following a series of far-right riots and counter protests in August.

The Islamophobic and racially-motivated nature of the unrest has caused concern within Muslim and ethnic minority communities, with some employers taking extra steps to ensure the safety of their staff – such as closing early or permitting staff to work from home.

Scottish locum optometrist and AOP member, Danish Ashraf, is a member of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) – which represents around 7000 healthcare staff across a range of professions, including optometry.

Ashraf told OT that optometrists within his network have had concerns travelling to and from work following the riots.

“There has been indiscriminate targeting of people who look different,” he shared.

“There are some women who wear a hijab or men who have a beard who may be more at risk of being singled out and targeted,” Ashraf said.

Ashraf shared that statements of solidarity from employers and optical bodies were welcomed by BIMA members.

He observed that racist and Islamophobic abuse can be particularly hurtful.

“The difficulty with Islamophobia in particular and racism in general, is that it targets people’s inherent religious practice or protected characteristics in a way that is extremely personal,” Ashraf shared.

“It drives directly at the core of who we are as individuals,” he said.

Considering the significant impact that this abuse has on the optical workforce, Ashraf is calling for employers, colleagues and the optical bodies to take this behaviour seriously.

“Call it for what it is when you see Islamophobia,” Ashraf said.

“It doesn’t just affect Muslims but anyone who may be perceived to be Muslim. For example, our Sikh colleagues are often targeted,” he added.

Ashraf highlighted the benefits of practices having a standard operating procedure so that staff and locums know what to do when there are incidents of discrimination within practice.

A locum optometrist and AOP member based in Essex, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared with OT: “On the first Saturday post-riot, I had a handful of people ask where I was from as a visible hijabi. They would comment that when they went to x, y, z country they saw people dressed like me.”

Another locum optometrist and AOP member based in London, who also wished to remain anonymous, told OT: “I didn’t take on any shifts for that whole week [following the riots] in fear of being targeted as I visibly look Muslim [wearing a headscarf].”

She continued: “It was a deeply sad time for me and my peers. We were reflecting on how we were born and raised here... Sure, we look different on the surface – below that we’re humans who care deeply for others and contribute to the community.”

BIMA president, Dr Salman Waqar, told The Guardian that there had been an increase in reports of racist abuse from Muslim healthcare workers following the far-right riots.

Waqar recounted incidents of GP practices being forced to close early, staff being trapped in practices, or people taking taxis to and from work for safety.

In a letter to the Prime Minister on 8 August, Waqar shared that the unrest had instilled a sense of fear and insecurity among BIMA members and the broader public.

“Muslim and minority ethnic healthcare workers, who make up a substantial portion of the NHS workforce, are increasingly apprehensive about their safety while fulfilling their crucial public service roles. This environment not only jeopardises their personal safety but also compromises the quality of care they can provide to patients,” Waqar said.

The AOP released a statement condemning the violence and intimidation that had made many Muslim and ethnic minority workers concerned for their safety. 

Chief executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson, emphasised that no one should have to worry about the prospect of violence or intimidation in their workplace or while travelling.

“We are proud of the diversity within the optometry profession – made up of clinicians dedicated to providing essential eye care to equally diverse communities across the country. We know that our members have experienced discrimination and intimidation during their career, and these latest events will no doubt raise real concerns,” he said.

To support members, the AOP published new guidance to help employers and employees navigate issues that may arise in the workplace in light of the violent unrest. 

These include what to do if an employee feels unsafe coming to work and the steps to take if it is necessary to close an optometry practice.

AOP head of employment, Liz Stephenson, shared with OT: “Whilst some practices temporarily closed as a safety precaution, we are aware of others where employees’ legitimate concerns were ignored and no steps were taken to protect them. We are ready to help and advise members and urge anyone who feels they need support on these issues to contact [email protected].”