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Just wanted to inform pre-meds that there isn't only one pathway to the pursuit of happiness. I am going into Optometry so obviously I am biased but if you want to learn more then feel free to ask.
Optometry
Pros:
1) Scope of practice enlargement almost every year: (http://newsfromaoa.org/2012/03/23/1...ory-of-scope-expansion-into-medical-eye-care/)
2) You can hire a technician to do the classic "1 or 2" thing.
3) Income per hours worked is almost on par with primary care physicians.
4) Ability to do laser surgery in two states, scalpel surgery in Oklahoma.
5) Ability to prescribe oral medications in 47/50 states.
6) Ability to prescribe narcotic pain killers in 43/50 states.
7) Ability to treat glaucoma in 49/50 states.
8) Ability to diagnose and treat many forms of eye disease in all 50 states.
9) Relatively lower cost of schooling compared to Dentistry and Medicine.
10) This profession is best practiced in a more rural/suburban setting. So if you are an urbanophile then this profession will still allow you to sustain yourself but you will not likely excel that much.
11) In some rural areas Optometrists are even hospital Attendings.
12) Ability to get on almost all major medical insurance plans.
13) Only 4 years of post-graduate education with an optional 1 year residency.
14) Ability to do minor surgical procedures such as draining cysts or pulling out eyelashes or irrigating and dilating the tear ducts or removing foreign bodies from the eye.
15) Reimbursement parity with Ophthalmology on Medicare and many private insurances.
16) Optometrists are the same rank as Dentists and Medical Doctors in the military when starting out. Captains usually.
Cons:
1) Commercial encroachment.
2) Constant battle with Ophthalmology. (Good for us because we are winning but a bit stressful)
3) Inability to do LASIK in all 50 states. 1 state we can do PRK.
4) The public doesn't know that we can diagnose and treat a lot of eye diseases and sometimes call us "not real Doctors". But this is usually the case in states such as NY or FL or MA where Optometry is more limited. So if you are willing to move to states with less population density this is a very good profession.
5) Oversaturation in urban areas.
6) Less profit from selling glasses and contacts nowadays so the profession is turning more medical.
Dentistry
Pros:
1) High income per hours worked. On average as high as primary care physicians.
2) Ability to specialize and make per hours worked as much as certain medical specialties.
3) Only 4 years of post-graduate education if willing to work as a General Dentist.
4) 75% of dentists own their own practice.
5) Dental insurance companies are kept in line unlike vision and medical insurance companies.
Cons:
1) High tuition/instrument cost.
2) Some midlevel/commercial encroachment.
3) Have to learn about/deal with teeth but I've talked to many people and you can learn to enjoy it if you do not already.
4) High business overhead.
Podiatry is 4+3 years and is also a good career choice.
Pharmacy is 4 years or 2+4 with 2 of college and is also good but you are not a provider.
Anaesthesiology Assistant is also good but they can only practice in 15 states if I am not mistaken.
Physician Assistant is great.
Nursing --> Nurse Practitioner --> Doctor of Nursing Practice also alternative.
Optometry
Pros:
1) Scope of practice enlargement almost every year: (http://newsfromaoa.org/2012/03/23/1...ory-of-scope-expansion-into-medical-eye-care/)
2) You can hire a technician to do the classic "1 or 2" thing.
3) Income per hours worked is almost on par with primary care physicians.
4) Ability to do laser surgery in two states, scalpel surgery in Oklahoma.
5) Ability to prescribe oral medications in 47/50 states.
6) Ability to prescribe narcotic pain killers in 43/50 states.
7) Ability to treat glaucoma in 49/50 states.
8) Ability to diagnose and treat many forms of eye disease in all 50 states.
9) Relatively lower cost of schooling compared to Dentistry and Medicine.
10) This profession is best practiced in a more rural/suburban setting. So if you are an urbanophile then this profession will still allow you to sustain yourself but you will not likely excel that much.
11) In some rural areas Optometrists are even hospital Attendings.
12) Ability to get on almost all major medical insurance plans.
13) Only 4 years of post-graduate education with an optional 1 year residency.
14) Ability to do minor surgical procedures such as draining cysts or pulling out eyelashes or irrigating and dilating the tear ducts or removing foreign bodies from the eye.
15) Reimbursement parity with Ophthalmology on Medicare and many private insurances.
16) Optometrists are the same rank as Dentists and Medical Doctors in the military when starting out. Captains usually.
Cons:
1) Commercial encroachment.
2) Constant battle with Ophthalmology. (Good for us because we are winning but a bit stressful)
3) Inability to do LASIK in all 50 states. 1 state we can do PRK.
4) The public doesn't know that we can diagnose and treat a lot of eye diseases and sometimes call us "not real Doctors". But this is usually the case in states such as NY or FL or MA where Optometry is more limited. So if you are willing to move to states with less population density this is a very good profession.
5) Oversaturation in urban areas.
6) Less profit from selling glasses and contacts nowadays so the profession is turning more medical.
Dentistry
Pros:
1) High income per hours worked. On average as high as primary care physicians.
2) Ability to specialize and make per hours worked as much as certain medical specialties.
3) Only 4 years of post-graduate education if willing to work as a General Dentist.
4) 75% of dentists own their own practice.
5) Dental insurance companies are kept in line unlike vision and medical insurance companies.
Cons:
1) High tuition/instrument cost.
2) Some midlevel/commercial encroachment.
3) Have to learn about/deal with teeth but I've talked to many people and you can learn to enjoy it if you do not already.
4) High business overhead.
Podiatry is 4+3 years and is also a good career choice.
Pharmacy is 4 years or 2+4 with 2 of college and is also good but you are not a provider.
Anaesthesiology Assistant is also good but they can only practice in 15 states if I am not mistaken.
Physician Assistant is great.
Nursing --> Nurse Practitioner --> Doctor of Nursing Practice also alternative.
