Hi, I'm a high school student in my 11th-Grade year looking to get into Optometry or Ophthalmology. I understand the differences between the two but what are some of the main reasons to get into one and not that other?
Optometry or Ophthalmology?
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Shadow both.
Come back after shadowing.
-Scope of practice
-Debt
-Amount of training
-Saturation
-Competition/difficulty of coursework
Do well in undergrad first.
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I saw you post on Reddit lol
One focuses on primary eye care and the other is more about surgery and diseases. The schooling is completely different as well.
There are no main reasons as to why you should pursue one and not the other; that is for you to decide.
You said you understand the differences between the two professions, so at this point I suggest you just ask to shadow
One focuses on primary eye care and the other is more about surgery and diseases. The schooling is completely different as well.
There are no main reasons as to why you should pursue one and not the other; that is for you to decide.
You said you understand the differences between the two professions, so at this point I suggest you just ask to shadow
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Lifestyle can differ between the two professions. Like the above posters said, shadow them and ask the doctors questions about what their life is like, their daily routines, if they are happy doing what they are doing, what they like and don't like about it.
Optometry can be more of a 9 to 5 job whereas ophthalmology, it is harder to get that. Ophthalmology also requires a lot more schooling and it is EXTREMELY competitive to get accepted into it after Medical school. You have to be really smart! Ask yourself if you do medical school and don't get accepted into ophthalmology, will you be happy doing something else in the medical field or is that the only thing you want? You should have a backup plan if you decide to go that route.
Optometry can be more of a 9 to 5 job whereas ophthalmology, it is harder to get that. Ophthalmology also requires a lot more schooling and it is EXTREMELY competitive to get accepted into it after Medical school. You have to be really smart! Ask yourself if you do medical school and don't get accepted into ophthalmology, will you be happy doing something else in the medical field or is that the only thing you want? You should have a backup plan if you decide to go that route.
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I agree with catsomgcats. If you can't see yourself in any other medical specialty besides Ophthalmology, medical school might not be a great idea. The other main question you need to answer is whether or not you want to be a surgeon.
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I went into Optometry and I am on almost all the medical panels I want to be on. I saved 4 years of my life and I can do everything Ophthalmologists do except for major surgery. I have my own practice 1 year after graduation and I love it. I love my choice and love my career. I am in the minority I think but its definitely amazing!
