Is Optometry Right For Me?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

HealthProf

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2013
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hi!

I know I want to do medicine and stuff but I am not sure what. I like Naturopathy, Podiatry, or Optometry. I shadowed a little but everyone was like told me to look at something else. Some cool stuff though. Um Naturopath deals with herbs, diet, and fitness and does not require a residency! Optometry is an old profession. Deals a lot with optics which I like. A lot of jobs but they are low paying. Podiatry is a mystery. Some websites say the pay is like optometry but I can't find any jobs. Lot of Newtonian physics which I think would be way cool but doc told me 50/50 shot of getting residency. Can you do anything without one? I know PA is out because my gpa is too low . I have a degree in physics 2.8 gpa, state school. I need help!!!! Should I take the MCAT or OAT in September. K thx guys!
 
Per the sticky note at the top of the forum ("Read before posting!")

"If you're unsure about whether optometry is right for you, that's OKAY! However, please don't post on this site asking if it's right for you, until you've shadowed an optometrist and done your fair share of independent research."

I'm applying to optometry school as a 24-year-old, so I'm applying for grad school later in life than I always thought I would, but I'm 100% sure that optometry is what I want to do. I work full-time in an optometry office, I know the pros and cons first-hand (instead of just from the internet, which isn't always accurate), and I absolutely love it. My advice to you would be to look into post-bacc programs (or at least individual science classes) you could take to boost your GPA and get some work experience to get a better idea of what you want and then make a decision. When you go into interviews, schools want to know that you will be dedicated to that path and not want to transfer to something else after a year or two. It will also save you money if you work for awhile, save up, and then don't waste any years in a grad program you end up not liking.
 
I shadowed a little

The optometrist I shadowed had me sort eye glasses and move boxes and stuff. He seemed rather depressed most of the time. I saw some cool instruments! but wouldn't let me do anythin.

My total grade is like a 2.8 but my science is a 3.2 somethin.
 
I agree with goirisheyes, you need to shadow or work to really know what it is all about.
Yes, you will be learning optics in the academic environment of school, but the scope of optometry as a career and an industry is SO much GREATER than that.

I would recommend you look for more shadowing opportunities where you will do more than sort glasses and move boxes. As an optometrist, you will be taking the didactic knowledge and applying it in a clinical setting. You are ensuring each of your patients a Quality standard of care & treatment. You are responsible for their ocular health & well-being.

And while it sounds so simplistic, lovely, and ideal to be helping others, la dee da.. you need to understand that it is still SO much more than that in terms of what direction do you want to go in. Some people are happy being refraction monkeys at Pearl Vision, some want to treat more disease, some want to have their own private practice, some want to teach, some want to conduct research, etc etc etc. And all of these subpaths in this industry come with their own pros and cons. You need to know what they are and if you can/want handle them. No career is perfect, but when you love something so much, you really don't care about those cons. You will do whatever you need to overcome or deal with them.

From what I can tell, you still seem like you are in the rudimentary stage of exploring. Which is fine! You have to start somewhere! But you really need to critically look at yourself, your preferences, your tastes, your passion, and figure out what you want for yourself. No one on this forum knows you really so we can't be counted on to tell you one way or another if the field is right for you. Only your personal experience in the field will tell you what you need to know.

Hope this helps and didn't come across as mean. I don't mind being harsh if it means giving an honest perspective.
 
Top