First year student here to answer any questions!
Started by evorage
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How much will you be expecting to earn when you graduate?
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.
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How many volunteer and/or shadowing hours did you have?
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.
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.
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.
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?
How many shadowing hours did you have?
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.
