Pharmacy vs Optometry

[myliham]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Here is my story guys.

You would think that I would be happy now that I have been accepted at NOVA and waitlisted at Touro; however, after talking to my father I am starting to think perhaps Optometry is the best option for me. I have yet to make up my mind.

My long term plan is to go back to my home country, a third world country, and make a difference in people's lives by giving them a health service. I am not sure opening a pharmacy clinic would be as satisfying as having your own optmetry clinic, in a country of 80 million, there are less than a thousand optometrist.

My question to you guys is that would be worth it to by-pass my acceptance to Pharmacy School this year and try my luck next yeat with Optometry School? Would being accepted to Pharmacy school this year give me high hopes to being accepted to Optometry Programs, such as to UC Berkkeley's Program (that is where I attended my undergrad). What would you do if you were in my shoes? I don't have a lot of time as the NOVA needs my response very soon.

Thank you

 

[DownonthePharm]

Are you comfortable with the fact that next year you may not get accepted anywhere? Or are you going to apply to both Pharm and Opto school? Im pretty sure if you turn a school down without a good reason you wont have a very likely chance with them again.

Do you like Optometry even if you dont get to pursue your dream of going and starting a clinic? Do have much experience in shadowing or working in either field?

Professional schools are too expensive and time consuming to undertake if your not fully committed to it.

 

[pharm_boy2000]

I would check with your Pharmacy School to see if you could defer a year. If this is the case, you could apply early this fall to optometry school and possibly get a decision back. If you do not get in there, you can always
decide to attend pharmacy school the following year and already have a spot available for yourself.