Optometrists are NOT allowed to be employed by coporations. Generally speaking, you lease space from a corporate setting. You get no 401K, benefits, paid vacation, etc just like having a private office. The only docs I know getting benefits are docs working in laser centers or for large OMD offices where their employees have medical benefits. you ARE allowed to be employed by other doctors.
So, yes, there are some cons to being an independant contractor.
But, you can save TONS of money by setting yourself up as a small business S-corporation and funneling your money through there. I set this up and pay myself a salary out of this account. so, I have a SEP-IRA instead of a 401k, but I'm still putting in tax deferred money. I get health through my husband... so I'm not much help there.
My best advice: get a good accoutant and/or lawyer who can help set ya up from the start with a good corporate account. You'd be amazed at how much you can write off! (equipment, CE, travel, cars, gas, etc)