Debating Road to Ophthalmology.

[SimpleS]

I've already been accepted to an optometry school, But I am seriously considering ophthalmology. Here's my issue: I'm in my late 20's, if I decide to go into MD school I would have to wait 'til 2009 to enter, as opposed to 2008 in optometry. I'm not exactly sure how it works after MD school to become specialized in ophthalmology, but ball-park estimate is probably another 4 yrs after MD, which will put me in my mid 30s to practice as an OMD. Another problem I have is, after MD, is it pretty easy to attain a residency in ophthalmology? Because I know I only want to deal with the eyes. Should I risk going to MD school and finding out opthalmology residencies aren't as easy to attain as I would like and be stuck with a general MD? Or should I go the really long, but thorough route and attain an OD/MD and be in my late 30s to practice as an OMD, BUT...be a well rounded eye specialist with my combined degrees? HELP! I'm very ambitious and I just want to reach my max potential! Any advice will help!!!

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[SimpleS]

Is anyone here an OD/MD or know someone who is? Do you have any regrets about NOT immediately going to MD school? Or are you completely happy about initially earning your OD before MD? Is it really a distinct and significant advantage to have the OD when applying for Ophthalmology matches? I am really leaning towards the long road, only because I would really love to be a very comprehensive eye specialist .

Does anyone know if the Military offers ophthalmology residencies? Is it worth it to do a military residency after MD? I don't know exactly how it works, but I think it would be awesome if I can get them to pay for my MD while I'm serving my time with them and getting my internship/residency experience out of the way plus getting paid as an officer? But again, I'm not familiar with this process and have no idea of my ideas are plausible .

Any advice is again very much appreciated!

 

[hello07]

I am an OD not an OD/MD but I can tell you that Optometry is a wonderful profession and a easy one. Easiest job in the world for what we get paid for- depending on the volume. My 2 piece of advice, don't waste your time in OD school. Go to Med school and become an ophthalmologist. You will be more marketable in the long run along with respect and many other things. If you don't match, more specialties out there than being an OD.
Trust me on this.

 

[Rug Doctor]

HELP! I'm very ambitious and I just want to reach my max potential! Any advice will help!!!

Ambitious? Then optometry is the wrong way to go. You might even find that ophthalmology is not ambitious enough and then you'll strive for retina or oculoplastics.

Taking the "easy" route is often not as easy as it seems. Some medical students think they'll take the easy route and do family practice. Then they find out that it is not so easy.

 

[eyedoctor123]

The main debate is how badly do you want to do intraocular surgery, such as cataract surgery. Medical school training, residency and fellowship make up a long road to getting started but are crucial if your true heart's desire is to operate on eyes to better patients. I don't think an OD/MD dual training is necessary and is certainly even longer but rather a good relationship either way with the other. If you are not set on surgery, go for the OD and also do an OD residency. You will be superbly trained as an OD. Hope that helps!

 

[msueye]

I'm not an OD but am graduating from medical school and just matched in Ophthalmology. It is really up to you what you decide to do but realize that Ophthalmology is a very competitive field to match into. You will need to work hard for the first three years of medical school as well as do well on your boards and probably do a little research along the way. Ophthalmology is an amazing career, there is so much flexibility and variability within the subspecialties that you really can create a practice that suites whatever your interest are. As for the general MD, no one would force you to do internal medicine, etc. if you didn't want to. I know several students who did not match and chose to take a year off, do some more research and re-apply, again no guarantees but if you really want to do Ophthalmology and aren't afraid to work hard during medical school I'm sure you'll do awesome and be able to ultimately match in Ophthalmology.