First year student here to answer any questions!

[evorage]

Hey everyone, I’ve been on the forum for awhile and I thought I would offer my help to anyone that needs it!
If you have questions I’ll do my best to answer!

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[generallyspeaking]

How much will you be expecting to earn when you graduate?

 

[tiredstudent]

What is your honest opinion on the future of optometry? I'm starting to have second thoughts because I don't want to make a huge investment into a career that won't be what I expect it to be down the road.

 

[SnowInVenice]

How many volunteer and/or shadowing hours did you have?

 

[evorage]

How much will you be expecting to earn when you graduate?

I hope to make a reasonable salary at first. I’m in a position to possibly purchase my mentors practice when he retires in the future.

What is your honest opinion on the future of optometry? I'm starting to have second thoughts because I don't want to make a huge investment into a career that won't be what I expect it to be down the road.

I know there is a lot of doubt about the future of optometry and with reason. There are constant threats from legislation to online sales and “exams.” But it would take a pretty big failure from current ODs to let the profession fail.
That said, have you shadowed any ODs? I spent 6 years as an office manager and tech so I knew exactly what I was getting into for better or worse.

How many volunteer and/or shadowing hours did you have?

Don’t recall honestly on the volunteer hours but it wasn’t a lot. Shadowing was a lot due to my years in the field. I did spend some time at a lasik center watching procedures which was fun.

 

[generallyspeaking]

I'll rephrase my question. With your perspective, how much would a new grad expect to earn in say an urban market when you graduate?

 

[jassonknap]

How many shadowing hours did you have?

 

[Opt03]

When did you apply? Also what timeframe would you consider is early, middle and late in the application cycle? Thanks!

 

[Brisks]

When did you apply? Also what timeframe would you consider is early, middle and late in the application cycle? Thanks!

Just to give my own input; Early is from when application opens (June 28) to September. Middle is from October to December/January. Late is February and after. But do keep in mind that some program deadlines are different.

 

[ruieu]

How long did you spend studying for the OAT? Typically, do undergraduate students start studying their second semester of junior year?

 

[SKP957]

I am writing my Oat next week, is it to late to apply? Im nervous because American schools are on rolling (Canadian student)