Optimistics of Optometry

[JAZZEYE]

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It seems that those who choose to be negative about the state of Optometry as a profession ( or in general for that matter ) are always the LOUDEST . I often wonder why... but that is a discussion that would probaly be more suited for the psychologist forum. I would like to offer this link for anyone who has not seen it.
I believe this is a very accurate presentation. Of course there are many different personal factors that will contibute to an individuals level of success that can be achieved. Overall the future of Optometry looks pretty bright IMHO.
Institute for Research - Career as an Optometrist

This is another perspective that seems a little " rosey " but what the heck... a little financial reward incentive never hurts.
Labor Dept. survey shows rapid rise in OD earnings | AOA News

I understand that there are some people who have not gotten what they expected from Optometry and are so kind to share it with us so that we will not go into it with false expectations. Thank you already !

But I would greatly appreciate it and I think many new students would appreciate hearing some positive feedback from others who feel priviledged to have an opportunity to practice this noble profession.

 

[princesspinknes]

It seems that those who choose to be negative about the state of Optometry as a profession ( or in general for that matter ) are always the LOUDEST . I often wonder why... but that is a discussion that would probaly be more suited for the psychologist forum. I would like to offer this link for anyone who has not seen it.
I believe this is a very accurate presentation. Of course there are many different personal factors that will contibute to an individuals level of success that can be achieved. Overall the future of Optometry looks pretty bright IMHO.
Institute for Research - Career as an Optometrist

This is another perspective that seems a little " rosey " but what the heck... a little financial reward incentive never hurts.
Labor Dept. survey shows rapid rise in OD earnings | AOA News

I understand that there are some people who have not gotten what they expected from Optometry and are so kind to share it with us so that we will not go into it with false expectations. Thank you already !

But I would greatly appreciate it and I think many new students would appreciate hearing some positive feedback from others who feel priviledged to have an opportunity to practice this noble profession.

word

 

[IndianaOD]

It seems that those who choose to be negative about the state of Optometry as a profession ( or in general for that matter ) are always the LOUDEST . I often wonder why... but that is a discussion that would probaly be more suited for the psychologist forum. I would like to offer this link for anyone who has not seen it.
I believe this is a very accurate presentation. Of course there are many different personal factors that will contibute to an individuals level of success that can be achieved. Overall the future of Optometry looks pretty bright IMHO.
Institute for Research - Career as an Optometrist

This is another perspective that seems a little " rosey " but what the heck... a little financial reward incentive never hurts.
Labor Dept. survey shows rapid rise in OD earnings | AOA News

I understand that there are some people who have not gotten what they expected from Optometry and are so kind to share it with us so that we will not go into it with false expectations. Thank you already !

But I would greatly appreciate it and I think many new students would appreciate hearing some positive feedback from others who feel priviledged to have an opportunity to practice this noble profession.

HaHAHA that Labor dept survey is out there. 😆 The average OD doesn't make any where near as much as the average DDS/DMD, let alone more. Look at the BLS statistics for a more realistic view of the different incomes.

 

[SearchSquad]

That article is using BLS statistics.

 

[still_confused]

HaHAHA that Labor dept survey is out there. 😆 The average OD doesn't make any where near as much as the average DDS/DMD, let alone more. Look at the BLS statistics for a more realistic view of the different incomes.

just because you arent doesnt mean others arent neither.

 

[IndianaOD]

Median annual earnings of salaried optometrists were $88,410 in May 2004.
Median net annual income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was $114,000.

Dentists:
Median annual earnings of salaried dentists were $129,920 in May 2004; BLS doesn't mention all dentists which would be quite a bit higher that salaried.

Family Docs:
Family practice (without obstetrics)
137,119-new grad,
156,010
2years out

Obstetrics increases that number quite a bit. Since it only mentions 2 years out the median would be much higher

This is all from the BLS website

 

[ODhopeful]

Median annual earnings of salaried optometrists were $88,410 in May 2004.
Median net annual income for all optometrists, including the self-employed, was $114,000.

Dentists:
Median annual earnings of salaried dentists were $129,920 in May 2004; BLS doesn't mention all dentists which would be quite a bit higher that salaried.

Family Docs:
Family practice (without obstetrics)
137,119-new grad,
156,010
2years out

Obstetrics increases that number quite a bit. Since it only mentions 2 years out the median would be much higher

This is all from the BLS website

Good job IndianaOD, let these ppl know the truth... Optimistic in optometry?? Give me a couple of weeks, I think I can come up with one, but it won't have anything to do with how much money we make coz there's nothing but negativity there.. I wish ppl start growing as many eyes as teeth, then we will all be ballin' outta control....

 

[ODhopeful]

Why are there so many 'haters'? lol 😎

Coz I like it!!!!

 

[IndianaOD]

Why are there so many 'haters'? lol 😎

Not a hater, just a realist. Optometry is a great profession, but a lousy job. People who just want a job need to go elsewhere. The profession needs strong realists to advance and keep the profession strong.

Anyone who is going to work commercial should not apply.
Anyone who tries to get in with a sob story and weak GPA/OAT should not apply.
Anyone who will not stand up for a wonderful profession should not apply.
Anyone who wants to be an MD should not apply.
Anyone who wants to provide "free" exams should not apply.
Anyone who wants to get by on the "minimum" should not apply.

That is how it should be. There are way too many excuses on these boards. Doctors should be competent students who care enough about their profession to really help people.

 

[still_confused]

Good job IndianaOD, let these ppl know the truth... Optimistic in optometry?? Give me a couple of weeks, I think I can come up with one, but it won't have anything to do with how much money we make coz there's nothing but negativity there.. I wish ppl start growing as many eyes as teeth, then we will all be ballin' outta control....

pace your hate, this is your career so you have your whole life to hate yourself. dont burn out!

 

[ODhopeful]

pace your hate, this is your career so you have your whole life to hate yourself. dont burn out!

haha.. agreed..

 

[still_confused]

haha.. agreed..

actually better yet, channel the hate towards improving optometry, now that is something constructive!

 

[ODhopeful]

actually better yet, channel the hate towards improving optometry, now that is something constructive!

haha.. I don't hate optometry, for me it's more like channel my dissatisfaction for optometry toward improving it. However, I can't really do much now coz I'm still a student and frankly I'm not sure how much I can do even when I do become an OD, so for now I'll just keep on bitching.... LOL

 

[Hines302]

haha.. I don't hate optometry, for me it's more like channel my dissatisfaction for optometry toward improving it. However, I can't really do much now coz I'm still a student and frankly I'm not sure how much I can do even when I do become an OD, so for now I'll just keep on bitching.... LOL

👎 you are a student???

Not a good way to start a career. It wont be successful with an attitude like that. Optometry has problems like every profession.... but things are moving in the right direction... quicker than most people on this board may think.

 

[ODhopeful]

👎 you are a student???

Not a good way to start a career. It wont be successful with an attitude like that. Optometry has problems like every profession.... but things are moving in the right direction... quicker than most people on this board may think.

It just seems like optometry has alot more problems than everyone else. I hope u're right as far as things are moving in the right direction coz I don't wanna sack groceries after I'm done with school. I'm glad there are still positive ppl on this forum like u coz I know I'm pretty depressing... haha👍

 

[prettygreeneyes]

👎 you are a student???

Not a good way to start a career. It wont be successful with an attitude like that. Optometry has problems like every profession.... but things are moving in the right direction... quicker than most people on this board may think.

Hines302!!! 😀😀 Haven't seen you around these parts in quite awhile! How did first year treat you?

Now back to the regularly scheduled thread...

 

[FL Opt Girl]

Hey, guys! I'm glad to see that there are still some people who are optimistic about optometry! 😀 I really like the first article you posted, JAZZEYE. I haven't met an optometrist yet who isn't happy with their choice of profession, although i am sure there are some out there. I think if you have a true passion for advancing this field, like IndianaOD said, that's what matters most.

It seems that those who choose to be negative about the state of Optometry as a profession ( or in general for that matter ) are always the LOUDEST . I often wonder why... but that is a discussion that would probaly be more suited for the psychologist forum. I would like to offer this link for anyone who has not seen it.
I believe this is a very accurate presentation. Of course there are many different personal factors that will contibute to an individuals level of success that can be achieved. Overall the future of Optometry looks pretty bright IMHO.
Institute for Research - Career as an Optometrist

 

[alleigh79]

It just seems like optometry has alot more problems than everyone else. I hope u're right as far as things are moving in the right direction coz I don't wanna sack groceries after I'm done with school. I'm glad there are still positive ppl on this forum like u coz I know I'm pretty depressing... haha👍

Any and every profession has a lot of problems if you go looking for them. Why can't some of you just remember why you became an optometrist or why you wanted to go to optometry school in the first place (assuming it was not only because you thought you'd make a lot of $$).

 

[bournehall]

Problem with your list is that if all criteria enforced there would be ZERO applicants accepted for admission to optometry. Seriously, I am as one put it "on the back nine" in my career and have done OK by optometry. But, I would never, let me say never, recommend someone with more than one brain cell that functions at half capacity spend four years in college and four years in optometry school to do what optometry does on a day to day basis. These stats spun by the AOA are simply not factual. To spend 8 years in school to do what we as OD's do is folly.

Not a hater, just a realist. Optometry is a great profession, but a lousy job. People who just want a job need to go elsewhere. The profession needs strong realists to advance and keep the profession strong.

Anyone who is going to work commercial should not apply.
Anyone who tries to get in with a sob story and weak GPA/OAT should not apply.
Anyone who will not stand up for a wonderful profession should not apply.
Anyone who wants to be an MD should not apply.
Anyone who wants to provide "free" exams should not apply.
Anyone who wants to get by on the "minimum" should not apply.

That is how it should be. There are way too many excuses on these boards. Doctors should be competent students who care enough about their profession to really help people.