Research and PhD question

[preODkickmaster]

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I am a pre-optometry student at UTSA right now and in the hope of someday going to UHCO. I remember reading about a OD/PhD program they have there and I was wondering if anyone here was enrolled in something similar? If so how long does it take? what are the advantages (basically what extra type of work or benefits do you recieve with this PhD compared to others with only an OD). Also I am interested in someday doing research in the visual sciences (here in San Antonio the medical school has an Opthamology research center that hired 4 OD's) and I was wondering if I need a Master's of Science degree... or a PhD... or just an OD to be able to do research (or be competitive when applying for research jobs). Ok I am done rambling 🙂, any input would be helpful.

 

[KHE]

I am a pre-optometry student at UTSA right now and in the hope of someday going to UHCO. I remember reading about a OD/PhD program they have there and I was wondering if anyone here was enrolled in something similar? If so how long does it take? what are the advantages (basically what extra type of work or benefits do you recieve with this PhD compared to others with only an OD). Also I am interested in someday doing research in the visual sciences (here in San Antonio the medical school has an Opthamology research center that hired 4 OD's) and I was wondering if I need a Master's of Science degree... or a PhD... or just an OD to be able to do research (or be competitive when applying for research jobs). Ok I am done rambling 🙂, any input would be helpful.

ODs are really clinical degrees....PhDs are really research degrees. If you want to go into research, your best bet is the PhD in addition to the OD. Also, it is generally easier to secure research grant money as an OD/PhD than as just an OD. The MSc degree would likely be fine if you want to work in industry, but if you are thinking about academia, go with the OD/PhD.

 

[preODkickmaster]

I guess I need to go talk to OD's that went into research to see how much they like it, and how lucrative it is vs clinic.

 

[qwopty99]

in "general", a PhD or a job in academia won't make u more rich than if u are a successful practicing optometrist. consider the years u have to spend acquiring the PhD, the years doing post-docs before u are hired as an assistant professor. then u have to consider that even if u get assist.prof, u still have to make tenure. u have 6 years to do that. if u don't make it, u basically kiss ur research career goodbye. as for being a professor, the avg. salary of most professors is probably less than a well-to-do optometrist. (and these are PROFESSORS, not associate or assistant professors.

those who do make it "rich" because they are in academia, isn't because they are in academia per se. it's because they invented something, patented it, then started a spin-off company, and made money that way.

 

[IndianaOD]

I would encourage the PhD route. There are some excellent research programs associated with optometry schools.

 

[Krazymiha]

How many additional years would be required for a Masters and for a Ph.D degree after optomerty school?

 

[IndianaOD]

Many programs have a combined OD/MS program. I had a few classmates in it. They were crazy busy but depending on your faculty adviser you can get them both done in 4 to 4.5 years.

The PhD appears to be at least 3+ years after OD school. Seems to be good employment options though.

 

[Krazymiha]

would you have to apply for these programs when you initally apply to optometry schools right out of college or would you apply while you're in the optometry school?

 

[IndianaOD]

would you have to apply for these programs when you initally apply to optometry schools right out of college or would you apply while you're in the optometry school?

I think you could try either. I'd contact the schools for these important questions.