perks of optometry

[stargazzer]

can you all let me know some of your reasons for wanting to go into (or already in) optometry?....what is the typical pay these days?....and what types of fields of optometry are there?


I greatly appreciate all your time and helP!

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[alferec]

My biggest reason for entering optometry was the opportunity for a regular schedule so that I can spend time with my family. I think this is a very common reason for many others who are in the profession as well.

Here are some sources for the salary:
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_HC07000340.html
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291041.htm

I think when you say "fields," do you mean specialties? Here are some specialties: Visual Therapy, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Ocular Disease, and much more.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions!

 

[stargazzer]

Thanks for the help! I really appreciate the advice!

 

[daysend85]

i chose optometry as a career just because, to me, it seems like the perfect job. you get to help people, you get paid well, and you have a nice work schedule usually (you'll be able to spend time with family, etc). the main reason for me was because i really enjoy helping people. why not med school? my sister is in med school right now and I know about it and know that it's not for me. on the whole, the lifestyle of an MD is much more stressful and demanding. optometry allows you to be the first doctor to help someone; think of yourself as the first base. you are in demand because a lot of people need to have their eyes checked and a lot of people have problems with their eyes. if they require surgery then you have to refer them to an opthamologist. therefore, for the most part, you don't have to be worried about performing surgeries (something that I wish to avoid).

salaries are variable, depending on location. there are some good websites out there, so just go on google and search and you'll probably find what you're looking for. http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm gives a thorough description of the career. while optometrists make decent money, this shouldn't be the main reason why you choose the career. i'm expecting to make anywhere from $75-100k/year. successful private practices make substantially more.

 

[KHE]

can you all let me know some of your reasons for wanting to go into (or already in) optometry?....what is the typical pay these days?....and what types of fields of optometry are there?


I greatly appreciate all your time and helP!

All the contact lens solution you want, baby!

 

[reconsider]

optometry has no perks other low paying part time work.

All you guys should really forget the optometry thing and move on to something better.


http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/optometrysucks/

Optometry has big problems. I regret the day I ever decided to go to optometry school. You will too.

 

[Eye-Spy]

optometry has no perks other low paying part time work.

All you guys should really forget the optometry thing and move on to something better.


http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/optometrysucks/

Optometry has big problems. I regret the day I ever decided to go to optometry school. You will too.

Do I detect a note of bitterness here?

 

[michelle_is_me]

optometry has no perks other low paying part time work.

All you guys should really forget the optometry thing and move on to something better.


http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/optometrysucks/

Optometry has big problems. I regret the day I ever decided to go to optometry school. You will too.

hmm seeing posts like that really scares pre-opt students like myself...... why so bitter?

 

[daysend85]

how about you "reconsider" going to another forum? this forum is for students interested in learning about the process of getting into optometry school. posting comments like that does not benefit anyone, especially if you can't back them up.

 

[bigstick11]

Every optometrist I have talked to and all of the students I've spoken to are very happy with their choice to pursue the field of optometry. I wouldn't really worry too much about the fact that one person is informing us that itd probably be better to get a managerial position at our local fast food restaurant.