How much personality is required to be an optometrist?

[StormInTheSky]

So I heard that to make it as an optometrist, compared to as a physician, you need to have an outgoing personality with strong business sense in order to build a loyal client base. Is this true? Is there a lack of job security and stability if you're a more reserved optometrist who's focused on the job at hand and not excessive small talk?

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[UnicornOpt]

It's not true. You're welcome

 

[London22]

Agreed with unicornopt. A good personality and strong business sense might help in some situations, but they're definitely not the main traits to become successful. I work around the country with ODs/MDs and have seen a lot of different types of personalities. From introverted successful multi practice owners to people that joke around maybe a little too much. There's also many different types of practices and patient demographics out there, and optometry is much broader than a lot of people typically assume. Finding something you really enjoy and excel at, while remaining sharp and professional will get you far.

 

[892002]

I feel like job security is mostly dependent on your office location. When looking for an optometrist, I just go to which one is closest. I think it's okay if you don't make small talk since the visit is so short, and I'd rather have an optometrist who's focused on the job rather than making awkward small talk.

 

[StormInTheSky]

Agreed with unicornopt. A good personality and strong business sense might help in some situations, but they're definitely not the main traits to become successful. I work around the country with ODs/MDs and have seen a lot of different types of personalities. From introverted successful multi practice owners to people that joke around maybe a little too much. There's also many different types of practices and patient demographics out there, and optometry is much broader than a lot of people typically assume. Finding something you really enjoy and excel at, while remaining sharp and professional will get you far.

That's true. The type of practice can vary and success can be molded based on the individual's preferences. Not everyone will have the same personality, style, or interests. And adding to that, you can balance your own personality with the personality of other employees at the practice (technicians and opticians for example).

 

[rubeyco2018]

Some personality is required. It really depends on your patient in the chair, some patients also hate small talk and want to be in and out, others want to talk all day as if you have nothing better to do and then you have to do some small talk. Like others have said you have your own style and what works for you and as long as you are a great doc then the patients will be loyal. I worked for someone with ZERO personality before OD School. I mean ZERO. and he had loyal patients. I learned that a patient appreciated the experience as a whole not just any one individual. Get excellent employees who take awesome care of the patient from the moment they enter the door to the moment they walk out every time (or thats the goal) and you wont have an issue

 

[REBK]

In contrast to MDs, we aren't typically a destination as per se, so whatever you can do to make your practice have enough gravity to keep patients in its orbit is a plus. That could be from being brilliant clinically, or have the latest equipment, or the best staff, or best price. I think having a strong social IQ can be important, knowing when to be affable and talkative, and when to shut up and listen. Not a requirement by any stretch, but helpful (Im pretty sure that can be said about most jobs that have face to face interactions with the public).