Optometry to Dentistry

[MentalFloss]

Do you know or heard of an optometry student dropping out with good academic standing after the 1st year and switched to dentistry?

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[gochi]

Do you know or heard of an optometry student dropping out with good academic standing after the 1st year and switched to dentistry?

Why do that ?

 

[cunikki]

hhahha no 🙂 but one of my classmates did two years of dental school before coming to opt school... he said he just got sick of it and didnt want to deal with peoples mouths... lol and that he did not really have the dexterity for dentistry

 

[MentalFloss]

Why do that ?

Partly because of this:

Originally Posted by gochi
OD's need to deal with insurance panels so they can accept a broad range of patients thereby allowing them to increase there earnings. But this is all very complicated as there is some sort of discrimination inflicted upon OD's which limits patient base. When you're patient base is reduced, so is your salary etc...Pharmacists on the other hand do not have to deal with this.

No doubt that OD's are primary eye care provider's but Opthamolgist's are always here to do what OD's do plus more. I don't think a profession exists in this day and age which would replicate a pharmacists task.

Another thing, most of an OD's earning is due to product sales such as contact lenses, glasses, frames etc... Now, imagine this- 1000 OD's graduate. Half of them go into Private practice while the other half goes into corporate optometry (wal-mart) Say the p.practitioner's sell frames for $50 while the corporate optometrists sell them for $25. Everything is going as planned until X years later Z number of schools open up pumping out 1000 more graduates. Again, half of the graduates go into p.p while the other half go into corporate optometry. The p.p can no longer sell the frames for $50 as there are MORE corporate stores selling them for half the price. This would cause either the owner of a p.p. to close down or an associate working for a senior doc to have a reduced salary.

With all this said I can confidently say that there is an extreme saturation of OD's nationwide. Most likely, this will increase due to new school's opening up in the next two years or so. Due to this factor, optometry might not sound financially stable.

BUT, it's whatever you make out of the profession. You can succeed but it will take a lot of effort that pharmacist's don't need to exert in order to be successfull.





The opening of the 3 new schools fall 2009 doesn't help either. I've worked for years as a fabricating and dispensing optician as well as a tech doing pre-screening and some entrance tests. I knew what I was getting into but I contemplated doing dentistry as well. I know I can equally enjoy doing both but choose optometry because of my experience. But with issues above as well as other reasons and the difference in income potential I have to re-evaluate what I'm doing.

 

[MentalFloss]

hhahha no 🙂 but one of my classmates did two years of dental school before coming to opt school... he said he just got sick of it and didnt want to deal with peoples mouths... lol and that he did not really have the dexterity for dentistry

I dealt with a lot of people with foul mouths throughout my life😀....atleast you get to wear a mask while working on them..lol. I think I have the dexterity to do the job. Making spectacles using three-piece rimless frame did the trick as well as making repairs and hand edging if the lenses were cut too big.

 

[cunikki]

\ i dont think that is the same dexterity you need for dentistry... i know i havent ever tried it but my classmate said that trying to use a tiny drill to get way back in the corner of someones mouth while holding a mirror in your other hand and stuff like that was much harder .... he said also his hands are a little shaky; actually i have heard of some dental schools in which part of the interview involves you holding out your hand to see how shaky you are... which sounds kinda intimidating to me but he said he wished his school would have done that cause it would have saved him 2 years of his life

 

[gochi]

Partly because of this:

Originally Posted by gochi
OD's need to deal with insurance panels so they can accept a broad range of patients thereby allowing them to increase there earnings. But this is all very complicated as there is some sort of discrimination inflicted upon OD's which limits patient base. When you're patient base is reduced, so is your salary etc...Pharmacists on the other hand do not have to deal with this.

No doubt that OD's are primary eye care provider's but Opthamolgist's are always here to do what OD's do plus more. I don't think a profession exists in this day and age which would replicate a pharmacists task.

Another thing, most of an OD's earning is due to product sales such as contact lenses, glasses, frames etc... Now, imagine this- 1000 OD's graduate. Half of them go into Private practice while the other half goes into corporate optometry (wal-mart) Say the p.practitioner's sell frames for $50 while the corporate optometrists sell them for $25. Everything is going as planned until X years later Z number of schools open up pumping out 1000 more graduates. Again, half of the graduates go into p.p while the other half go into corporate optometry. The p.p can no longer sell the frames for $50 as there are MORE corporate stores selling them for half the price. This would cause either the owner of a p.p. to close down or an associate working for a senior doc to have a reduced salary.

With all this said I can confidently say that there is an extreme saturation of OD's nationwide. Most likely, this will increase due to new school's opening up in the next two years or so. Due to this factor, optometry might not sound financially stable.

BUT, it's whatever you make out of the profession. You can succeed but it will take a lot of effort that pharmacist's don't need to exert in order to be successfull.





The opening of the 3 new schools fall 2009 doesn't help either. I've worked for years as a fabricating and dispensing optician as well as a tech doing pre-screening and some entrance tests. I knew what I was getting into but I contemplated doing dentistry as well. I know I can equally enjoy doing both but choose optometry because of my experience. But with issues above as well as other reasons and the difference in income potential I have to re-evaluate what I'm doing.

To tell you the truth, I'd be happy with this than work in peoples mouths all day.

 

[IndianaOD]

To tell you the truth, I'd be happy with this than work in peoples mouths all day.

I don't know about you, but my dentist takes less than a minute looking in my mouth. Even cavities don't take that long.

 

[gochi]

I don't know about you, but my dentist takes less than a minute looking in my mouth. Even cavities don't take that long.

Ok...but that still doesn't change the fact that they work in peoples mouths all day, which I guess isn't a bad thing if that's what excites them 😀 Heck, I was almost inclined towards dentistry rather then optometry.

 

[shirazyterp]

I was thinking about Dentistry before so I shadowed a dentist for a few weeks. Oh man some of those patients were 😱 disgusting. I dont' think could do that more than a few weeks! Dentists have the highest suecide rate as well from what I heard. They do make a little more than optometrist but it's not worth it I think. I have alot of friends who are going to dental school but I decided to change to Optometry which worked out great for me!
Also, you see a dentist in every corner of shopping center now adays. Maybe there are too many of them?

 

[eyestrain]

Also, you see a dentist in every corner of shopping center now adays. Maybe there are too many of them?

Is this some kind of joke?

 

[still_confused]

Is this some kind of joke?

Come to socal, as you drive down one street you will see in a row a Law Office, dental, optometry, chiro, podiatry, med. Drive a bit further, it repeats as far as the eye can see.

 

[gochi]

Come to socal, as you drive down one street you will see in a row a Law Office, dental, optometry, chiro, podiatry, med. Drive a bit further, it repeats as far as the eye can see.

It's the same in Canada- a damn Utopia.

 

[StushOD]

There are a few commercial dentist places (Aspen Dental) opening up in my area as well. For better or worse these places are here to stay in many health care fields.

 

[shirazyterp]

No it's not a joke!
I'm in Maryland and I see Dentist offices every shopping center now. There is a huge supply of them.

Is this some kind of joke?

 

[IndianaOD]

No it's not a joke!
I'm in Maryland and I see Dentist offices every shopping center now. There is a huge supply of them.

People also see the dentist almost 3x as often as an OD, if they even ever see an eye doctor before they are 40.

Denstists can make $2000 for half an hour of work. An OD doesn't have this billing ability or the ability to balance bill.

 

[still_confused]

its okay guys, mlb pitchers make 5k per ball thrown

 

[jc812]

The grass is always greener on the other side!

 

[IndianaOD]

The grass is always greener on the other side!

yeah, plus some ODs keep dumping grass killer on our side! (Low fees, commercial, low ball insrance, refering everything out.....you name it)

 

[jc812]

yeah, plus some ODs keep dumping grass killer on our side! (Low fees, commercial, low ball insrance, refering everything out.....you name it)

I didn't mean it in that sense. There are always downsides to EVERY career.

 

[sniklegem]

I have a staff doctor who switched from dentistry to optometry, and is married to a dentist. Close enough? No, well... I tried.

I don't like mouths too much, but I must say, there are some crazy eyes, too. Yuck.

I agree with the grass-is-greener bit.

 

[stevemc1]

How could a pre-Opto and Opto student know jack about "grass color"?

It would be really interesting (read funny, cause I'd laugh my arse off), if as a requirement to post on this site, posters had to come on here and talk about their experiences 2 years after graduation.

What do you think they would say the color of Optometry's grass is then?🙄 Keep deluding yourself there folks, and don't forget...these are not the droids you're looking for.

Mentalfloss....quit Optometry NOW and go to Dental school. DO IT! You will thank me later, I promise.

 

[rpames]

I have been out 1 month shy of a year. I have been busting my butt since I joined my father's practice. I then opened a second office COLD in a near by city. I run between the two of them and manage all the business aspect of the office. And I make less than my wife the teacher b/c almost all the money the office makes is going into enhancements.

Sound horrible, doesn't it? Well, it is not that bad. I am my own boss and love what I do. I have talked to a ton of other professionals and they all complain about what they do. No mater what you do, the grass is always greener on the other side.

I completely agree that dentistry is a great field. If I didn't have a practice to buy, I would have definitely looked at getting a DDS/DMD.

Don't let the most vocal people on this board tell you the field sucks. Optometry is a good profession.

 

[stevemc1]

Don't let the most vocal people on this board tell you the field sucks. Optometry is a good profession.

Yeah, screw those vocal people. But listen very carefully to the knowledgeable ones.

BTW, how many of you have a family owned practice to purchase when you graduate?🙄 chirp-chirp-chirp......you know what those crickets sounds mean right? The vast majority of you folks are going to be in a warehouse or mall, spinnin' and grinnin' on the phoroptor 6-7 days per week, or starving for 5 years building a private practice. Might as well get it through your thick skulls now. If you think your medical or dental colleagues are going to have the same trials and tribulations, you're deluding yourself. But hell, deluding ourselves is one thing Optometry does very well.

Signed,

The Reality Monster (aka green grass killer)

 

[rpames]

BTW, how many of you have a family owned practice to purchase when you graduate?🙄

I hear this all time. I truly don't get way this is such an advantage. All it means is I know what practice I HAVE to purchase. I don't get a choice. There are plenty of practices out there to buy, or you can open one. I'm not saying this is easy. A class mate of mine open cold about a year ago and still works about 30 hrs a week at a chain to supplement his practice. Yea, that sucks. But every few months he cuts back his corporate hours to devote toward his own office. So, you can either bust your butt and buy or open your own office, or you can be a MD and have to work for an HMO or large corporate medical group.

Yup, working hard sucks!

stevemc1, don't think I'm completely disagreeing with you. I just don't think the "other" professions are much better.

 

[stevemc1]

A challenge, rpames. Go out and ask any Dentist you know 3 questions:

1) How much they get paid per diem as contract labor? The average in Optometry is $350/day. No self respecting Dentist would get out of bed for that. Not even the first day after they graduate.

2) How many Dentists need to "supplement their income working corporate" while they grow their private practice? Most Dentists are booked out a couple of weeks before their doors open. If you're lucky it'll takes two years as an OD, but probably closer to five. If you can remain in business until then you'll be fine.

3) Do they compete with humongous corporate entities for profits? The answer is a resounding NO! Optometry has to compete with some of the largest corporations in the world.


Now...can you make money in Optometry? Absolutely. I make a great living in Private practice. Unfortunately, most here will not be able to do the same.

That's not the question here though. The original poster was/is pondering switching over to Dentistry. She/he then started receiving naive advice from Optometry students that in all reality have no friggin' clue. The FACT is, there is NO comparison between Optometry and Dentistry when it compares to ease of making a living, future prospects (think socialized medicine and vision plans), earning potential, and prestige amongst other health care professionals. It's not even close, but it's a free country, and if you want to smoke the water bong and convince yourself otherwise, please be my guest.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

That's not the question here though. The original poster was/is pondering switching over to Dentistry. She/he then started receiving naive advice from Optometry students that in all reality have no friggin' clue. The FACT is, there is NO comparison between Optometry and Dentistry when it compares to ease of making a living, future prospects (think socialized medicine and vision plans), earning potential, and prestige amongst other health care professionals. It's not even close, but it's a free country, and if you want to smoke the water bong and convince yourself otherwise, please be my guest.

If you are as unhappy as your posts here and on ODWire make you out to be, what keeps you in this profession?

 

[stevemc1]

If you are as unhappy as your posts here and on ODWire make you out to be, what keeps you in this profession?

My wife.😀


Actually I'm not unhappy. I make a good living, enjoy the patient care aspect, as well as being my own boss. However, there are plenty of negatives with Optometry most of you will find out about soon enough, and the point of this thread is advising someone on whether or not they should switch form Optometry to Dentistry.

I guarantee, nearly every person here will be shocked about the state of the profession soon after they hit the work force. You don't realize it yet, but the schools have lied to you. Your national leaders have lied to you. IMO, you should consider a class action law suit against your school and the AOA for fraud.

 

[prettygreeneyes]

My wife.😀


Actually I'm not unhappy. I make a good living, enjoy the patient care aspect, as well as being my own boss. However, there are plenty of negatives with Optometry most of you will find out about soon enough, and the point of this thread is advising someone on whether or not they should switch form Optometry to Dentistry.

I guarantee, nearly every person here will be shocked about the state of the profession soon after they hit the work force. You don't realize it yet, but the schools have lied to you. Your national leaders have lied to you. IMO, you should consider a class action law suit against your school and the AOA for fraud.

Your wife? 😛 Fair enough.

I agree with you to an extent that many students have no idea what they are getting themselves into. However, the fact that students are even on this forum should be an indication that they are making an effort to research the profession. I know many of the student posters are also ODWire members as well, and you know more than anyone that if you spend enough time on ODWire you can recite in your sleep all of the problems with the profession.

As far as my school lying to me - irrelevant (for me at least). If I were to take the word of any school whose main objective is to fill their seats with tuition paying students and not do any further research on my own, I absolutely deserve every horrible thing this profession has to offer me. It is no one's responsibility but my own to figure out what I was getting myself into, which I did. I've been on ODWire and SDN for almost 3 years now. I worked in a private practice for a year, and had regular and very honest conversations with the owner about the state of the profession. I've had some helpful discussions with a few practicing docs on SDN, and have observed at one of their practices. (I do realize that there is a world of difference between reading about the problems of the profession, and experiencing them everyday.)

Does all of that mean that I'm not going to be shocked when I get outside the protective bubble of academia? Of course not. Reality will hit me just as hard as everybody else. But I have a pretty good idea what I'm in for. I didn't rely solely on the word of the schools or AOA, and no one else should either .

 

[eyestrain]

However, the fact that students are even on this forum should be an indication that they are making an effort to research the profession.

I don't get that feeling. Most of the time the response from students is that the optometrists here are just bitter and upset that they couldn't be successful as an OD. I don't think they REALLY want to listen.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

I don't get that feeling. Most of the time the response from students is that the optometrists here are just bitter and upset that they couldn't be successful as an OD. I don't think they REALLY want to listen.

But do you honestly think that bitterness doesn't echo like music on this forum from most of the doctors that take the time to post? There's a big difference between complaining and sounding bitter and complaining while offering constructive help and advice. Most of the docs sound like the former. Listing your grievances and regrets isn't helpful to anybody so why would they listen? Although, you really have to give credit to people like Dr. Elder and Dr. Chunder who still tell it like it is, but then offer a plethora of valuable information on keys to being successful despite some problems.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

If you are as unhappy as your posts here and on ODWire make you out to be, what keeps you in this profession?

That's the problem with ODWire...it just resounds negativity day after day from the same 100 people. With over 7000 members I think that forum has huge potential to do something good for the profession if the doctors would actually come together and have constructive discussions. Instead, it turns into a lunch break and after work venting bar filled with insults and not a whole lot of bright ideas. Truly unfortunate!

 

[stevemc1]

But do you honestly think that bitterness doesn't echo like music on this forum from most of the doctors that take the time to post? There's a big difference between complaining and sounding bitter and complaining while offering constructive help and advice. Most of the docs sound like the former. Listing your grievances and regrets isn't helpful to anybody so why would they listen? Although, you really have to give credit to people like Dr. Elder and Dr. Chunder who still tell it like it is, but then offer a plethora of valuable information on keys to being successful despite some problems.

You're right Dwight. You guys know everything. Good luck.

P.S. Ken Elder, and Ben Chudner are a couple of the brightest minds in the profession. My point? Most of you folks won't be as successful as they are because frankly you're not smart enough, and or, don't possess the same work ethic. Also, they've struggled mightily (Ken moreso than Ben) to be where they are today. Whether you want to believe it or not (and I'm sure you don't 🙄), sharp minds in other health care professions don't have to work so damn hard to succeed.

 

[KHE]

You're right Dwight. You guys know everything. Good luck.

P.S. Ken Elder, and Ben Chudner are a couple of the brightest minds in the profession. My point? Most of you folks won't be as successful as they are because frankly you're not smart enough, and or, don't possess the same work ethic. Also, they've struggled mightily (Ken moreso than Ben) to be where they are today. Whether you want to believe it or not (and I'm sure you don't 🙄), sharp minds in other health care professions don't have to work so damn hard to succeed.

Well....the kind words are greatly appreciated although I can't honestly lay claim to possessing any sort of brilliance. I definately however, did earn a 4.0 at the school of hard knocks, with respect to my career.

I think that the danger that pre-opt and optometry students sometimes fall into is assuming that the negative postings are coming from people who are defective in some way. Perhaps they aren't "smart enough" or are "too lazy" or some other negative character flaw like that. Yes, there are some of them who are real losers, and really just small time thinkers but most of them are not. Take what is said with a grain of salt but don't discount it in it's entirety because there is a lot of legitimacy in a lot of the negativity, even if sometimes the delivery leaves something to be desired.

As I said in that interview posted on the front page of SDN, I think the most important things that students need to know are the following:

1) YES! It is absolutely possible to have a long, rewarding and lucrative career in optometry.
2) Disavow yourselves of the notion that as long as you "stay positive" and "work hard" then everything will be just fine.
3) Try to realize and believe me when I say that the things that most of you are worrying about, judging from the many postings I see on here are NOT the things you should be worrying about.

 

[sportvision]

if money is a big factor for making a switch...and you have credentials to get into dentist school....do it.

 

[gochi]

if money is a big factor for making a switch...and you have credentials to get into dentist school....do it.

No.

If money is a big factor for making a switch and you have credentials to get into "dentist school"....don't do it, instead go into business. Honestly, its not worth it to go through all that s*** just to make a six figure salary.

 

[stevemc1]

Well....the kind words are greatly appreciated although I can't honestly lay claim to possessing any sort of brilliance. I definately however, did earn a 4.0 at the school of hard knocks, with respect to my career.

Don't get a big head K.😀

KHE brings alot of experience here, and is very articulate, but we've talked before about his lack of true detail in his postings. In his opinion, there's no reason to tell the whole story on this forum because frankly, he doesn't think it will matter, and you folks will find out soon enough anyhow. I respect that, and he's probably correct.

I've been more negative here than I should, but no one here, and I mean NO ONE is paiting a real picture of the profession. I figure my little dose of reality (and mark my words they are real) will add to the entire montage of opinions posted. So as KHE said, take them with a grain of salt, but by all means.....take them.

 

[stevemc1]

No.

If money is a big factor for making a switch and you have credentials to get into "dentist school"....don't do it, instead go into business. Honestly, its not worth it to go through all that s*** just to make a six figure salary.

I agree. Multi six figure income though......

Dentists, and for some fortunate few Optometrists, will make you more money than almost any Business major.

 

[IndianaOD]

Don't get a big head K.😀

KHE brings alot of experience here, and is very articulate, but we've talked before about his lack of true detail in his postings. In his opinion, there's no reason to tell the whole story on this forum because frankly, he doesn't think it will matter, and you folks will find out soon enough anyhow. I respect that, and he's probably correct.

I've been more negative here than I should, but no one here, and I mean NO ONE is paiting a real picture of the profession. I figure my little dose of reality (and mark my words they are real) will add to the entire montage of opinions posted. So as KHE said, take them with a grain of salt, but by all means.....take them.

Steven,

Be assured that our rantings are taken to heart by some of the students. I've gotten several thank-you PMs for painting optometry's stuggles in a truthful light.

Do I like what I do: Yes
Do I think I have a decent career ahead: Yes
Do I think I work too hard for a person with 9 years of post high school education: YES
If I was honest would I tell a prospective OD student to strongly consider a DDS first: YES, YES, YES

 

[KHE]

Don't get a big head K.😀

KHE brings alot of experience here, and is very articulate, but we've talked before about his lack of true detail in his postings. In his opinion, there's no reason to tell the whole story on this forum because frankly, he doesn't think it will matter, and you folks will find out soon enough anyhow. I respect that, and he's probably correct.

So as KHE said, take them with a grain of salt, but by all means.....take them.

I am perplexed by what is perceived as a "lack of true detail" in my postings. I'm also perplexed by the notion that I feel that there is no reason to tell the "whole story", because I don't know what part of the story I'm leaving out. Please PM me with your concerns, or if you wish, you may even post them publicly and I will be glad to address them publicly. To me, there is no issue I am uncomfortable discussing.

 

[stevemc1]

Ken I was referring to your cover story, which I thought was "light" in realism, but otherwise very well done. I have already discussed this with you.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

You're right Dwight. You guys know everything. Good luck.

P.S. Ken Elder, and Ben Chudner are a couple of the brightest minds in the profession. My point? Most of you folks won't be as successful as they are because frankly you're not smart enough, and or, don't possess the same work ethic. Also, they've struggled mightily (Ken moreso than Ben) to be where they are today. Whether you want to believe it or not (and I'm sure you don't 🙄), sharp minds in other health care professions don't have to work so damn hard to succeed.

My post has nothing to do with students thinking they "know everything". I'll be the first to admit that I don't and I am appreciative of doctors that make it a goal to educate current and prospective students. That's my point though: some doctors educate by giving you reality AND telling you HOW to face it. You, amongst others, simply give a reality filled with your own regrets while attempting to discourage (to give you some credit, this can be an effective strategy for weeding out the weakest).

You even take it a step further to try and convince rpames, a young PP OD who seems satisfied with his career choice that he's delusional for actually thinking "it's not that bad". It's one thing to convince naive students who don't know any better, but to convince another OD that he shouldn't be as happy as he is really makes me question your intentions.

 

[KHE]

Ken I was referring to your cover story, which I thought was "light" in realism, but otherwise very well done. I have already discussed this with you.

There were space limitations with that, and also it was written for a much broader audience than just those considering optometry. Some of the issues I only made oblique references to because most people who read that aren't going to really have the right frame of reference to understand them. The goal was to stimulate people to come and visit these forums so that the issues could be discussed more in depth.

Again...if you have specific concerns, please bring them up and I am always happy to pontificate on them because it's what I do best!

 

[stevemc1]

It's one thing to convince naive students who don't know any better, but to convince another OD that he shouldn't be as happy as he is really makes me question your intentions.

Question away Dwight. Those who know me will tell you I call it the way I see it, and I don't care if you "buy it" or it pisses anyone off. I made no such attempt to "convince another OD he shouldn't be happy" (it is weird you took it that way), I questioned how his experience will relate to the majority of new grads considering he graduated into a family owned Optometry business from day one. His experiences certainly are valueable, as are your's, and maybe even mine🙄, but a little context never hurt anything.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Question away Dwight. Those who know me will tell you I call it the way I see it, and I don't care if you "buy it" or it pisses anyone off. I made no such attempt to "convince another OD he shouldn't be happy" (it is weird you took it that way), I questioned how his experience will relate to the majority of new grads considering he graduated into a family owned Optometry business from day one. His experiences certainly are valueable, as are your's, and maybe even mine🙄, but a little context never hurt anything.

You're right, I take back that last sentence as it really wasn't your intention. It just seemed to me by telling rpames to 'take the dentist challenge' after he said "it isn't that bad" hints that you want him to see that it isn't as good as he thinks.

Either way, everybody is going to call it like they see it but eveybody sees it differently. This leads to a lot of conflicting information which becomes very confusing in the eyes of a student. What's the best way to make an accurate assessment of the real optometry? See it your way? See it the AOA/school way? Visit 20 docs, take the average?

 

[stevemc1]

Dwight I'm not trying to convinced anyone, just giving the original poster an honest opinion. The lies the AOA and the Optometry schools propagate about the earning potential and lifestyle ODs enjoy, will ensure a steady stream of naive (and defrauded in my opinion) fresh meat. The facts are, most new grads will not come close to 6 figures (afterall...there's only so many WalMart and Lenscrafters leases available😉), and will end up in the commerical meat grinder as independant contractors for the lease holder, never to break free.

NOTHING I repeat NOTHING about Dentistry compares to the above scenerio.

 

[jesse14]

Yeah, screw those vocal people. But listen very carefully to the knowledgeable ones.

BTW, how many of you have a family owned practice to purchase when you graduate?🙄 chirp-chirp-chirp......you know what those crickets sounds mean right? The vast majority of you folks are going to be in a warehouse or mall, spinnin' and grinnin' on the phoroptor 6-7 days per week, or starving for 5 years building a private practice. Might as well get it through your thick skulls now. If you think your medical or dental colleagues are going to have the same trials and tribulations, you're deluding yourself. But hell, deluding ourselves is one thing Optometry does very well.

Signed,

The Reality Monster (aka green grass killer)

wow, and I thought it was just the chiropractors that had the issues lol. Has anyone hear heard of a site called chirotalk? It's basically a forum for disgruntled chiros who want to vent and bash the profession. Not everything they say is true, but not everything they say is a lie either. Is there such a site concerning optometry?

 

[panzer]

EC

Dwight I'm not trying to convinced anyone, just giving the original poster an honest opinion. The lies the AOA and the Optometry schools propagate about the earning potential and lifestyle ODs enjoy, will ensure a steady stream of naive (and defrauded in my opinion) fresh meat. The facts are, most new grads will not come close to 6 figures (afterall...there's only so many WalMart and Lenscrafters leases available😉), and will end up in the commerical meat grinder as independant contractors for the lease holder, never to break free.

NOTHING I repeat NOTHING about Dentistry compares to the above scenerio.

Hey you left out ECCA! 😛

 

[Jay12]

wow, and I thought it was just the chiropractors that had the issues lol. Has anyone hear heard of a site called chirotalk? It's basically a forum for disgruntled chiros who want to vent and bash the profession. Not everything they say is true, but not everything they say is a lie either. Is there such a site concerning optometry?

Well I don't think quite similar to chirotalk...the only thing I can think of is ODWIRE.ORG......though the site is really informative....you do on occasion read more negatives than positives...

 

[gochi]

Dwight I'm not trying to convinced anyone, just giving the original poster an honest opinion. The lies the AOA and the Optometry schools propagate about the earning potential and lifestyle ODs enjoy, will ensure a steady stream of naive (and defrauded in my opinion) fresh meat. The facts are, most new grads will not come close to 6 figures (afterall...there's only so many WalMart and Lenscrafters leases available😉), and will end up in the commerical meat grinder as independant contractors for the lease holder, never to break free.

NOTHING I repeat NOTHING about Dentistry compares to the above scenerio.

Why don't they correct the income figure ? or atleast indicate that it was a "selective" survey.

Can't the AOA be sued for Fraud or something ? Afterall, they are publishing false information to there advantage.