optometry is NOT DEAD!

[q1we3]

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It's not dead and never will be for individuals who actually get into this profession for the right reasons. Graduating with a doctor's degree does not give you the right to having loads of money and being your own boss. It only gives you knowledge to help others.
Personally, I don't care about starting my own practice, selling loads of glasses and contact lenses, being my own boss, driving a BMW to my clinic, going on vacations as I please, making 200k/yr. Just don't care. Here's what I care about, being a health professional that helps others see better rather than someone who worries about running a successful business. If this means I have to work for an OMD or in a setting where I am not my own boss so be it. If it means I will never make six figures so be it. My goal is to see PATIENTS not CUSTOMERS.
The OD that I shadow complains just like most of the optometrist on these forums, there are too many OD's, I don't sell enough glasses/contact lenses, I don't make loads of money blah blah blah blah. You know why there are OD's on every corner because everyone wants to run their own little business and sell loads of glasses and make loads of money. Well, you should have picked a different profession cause retail side of optometry has gone to bigger companies.
However, if you just want to help others with their vision you will have no problem doing that. It might not be where and how you like it but your service will be needed. Conclusion don't aim too high, times have changed and its not easy as it was in the past!

 

[Meibomian SxN]

....You know why there are OD's on every corner because everyone wants to run their own little business and sell loads of glasses and make loads of money. Well, you should have picked a different profession cause retail side of optometry has gone to bigger companies...!

I whole heartedly agree with this statement. I feel like those who continue to rely on glasses/CLs sales will end up like Border's and B. Daltons. Retail is virtually owned now by "bigger companies".

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

It's not dead and never will be for individuals who actually get into this profession for the right reasons. Graduating with a doctor's degree does not give you the right to having loads of money and being your own boss. It only gives you knowledge to help others.
Personally, I don't care about starting my own practice, selling loads of glasses and contact lenses, being my own boss, driving a BMW to my clinic, going on vacations as I please, making 200k/yr. Just don't care. Here's what I care about, being a health professional that helps others see better rather than someone who worries about running a successful business. If this means I have to work for an OMD or in a setting where I am not my own boss so be it. If it means I will never make six figures so be it. My goal is to see PATIENTS not CUSTOMERS.
The OD that I shadow complains just like most of the optometrist on these forums, there are too many OD's, I don't sell enough glasses/contact lenses, I don't make loads of money blah blah blah blah. You know why there are OD's on every corner because everyone wants to run their own little business and sell loads of glasses and make loads of money. Well, you should have picked a different profession cause retail side of optometry has gone to bigger companies.
However, if you just want to help others with their vision you will have no problem doing that. It might not be where and how you like it but your service will be needed. Conclusion don't aim too high, times have changed and its not easy as it was in the past!

I concur with this ideology as well. And for those naysayers who will argue, "well how are you going to repay your student loans if there is no flowing income?" Here is the answer for those not updated with current government policy http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/obama-signs-bill-on-student-loans-health-care/

Students who borrow money starting in July 2014 will be allowed to cap their repayments at 10 percent of their income above basic living requirements, instead of 15 percent. Moreover, if they keep up their payments, they will have any remaining debt forgiven after 20 years instead of 25 years – or after 10 years if they are in public service, such as teaching, nursing or serving in the military. 😀

 

[imemily]

What about the 200k in debt that you will be in?

 

[Eyes Only]

I concur with this ideology as well. And for those naysayers who will argue, "well how are you going to repay your student loans if there is no flowing income?" Here is the answer for those not updated with current government policy http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/obama-signs-bill-on-student-loans-health-care/

Students who borrow money starting in July 2014 will be allowed to cap their repayments at 10 percent of their income above basic living requirements, instead of 15 percent. Moreover, if they keep up their payments, they will have any remaining debt forgiven after 20 years instead of 25 years – or after 10 years if they are in public service, such as teaching, nursing or serving in the military. 😀

What about when the republicans retake the white house and change the rules?

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

What about when the republicans retake the white house and change the rules?

Well let's just hope Americans will vote in an educated manner in which their candidate will benefit them most. Though I am sure that can be hard considering many people vote simply on loyalty to their party, family influence, etc. But tuition capping and student loan rates have been critical topics during political platforms during the last election, which gained an immense amount of interest within the younger generation and professional students alike. With the continual increase in tuition within undergraduate and graduate institutions, along with ridiculous interest rates on unsubsidized loans, I would like to think the "younger generation' would once again play a fundamental role in determining our next president.

 

[Eyes Only]

Well let's just hope Americans will vote in an educated manner in which their candidate will benefit them most. Though I am sure that can be hard considering many people vote simply on loyalty to their party, family influence, etc. But tuition capping and student loan rates have been critical topics during political platforms during the last election, which gained an immense amount of interest within the younger generation and professional students alike. With the continual increase in tuition within undergraduate and graduate institutions, along with ridiculous interest rates on unsubsidized loans, I would like to think the "younger generation' would once again play a fundamental role in determining our next president.

Bravo! I admire your optimism.