Strong Input

[opto delux]

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Hey SDN Fam,

So ... basically I attended optometry school into 2nd year, completing 3/4 of the 1st semester of 2nd year, and took a couple hits with grades due to personal issues honestly.

The distance from home (time difference, etc.), being far from immediate family, and of course the rigor of OD school itself--was getting to me. I essentially took a plunge grade wise. Not all courses of course, but a couple that may stand out. Needless to say, I am hard worker, punctual, have clinical skills that a strong OD student possesses (honestly stated from ppl in my class as well, I am a modest person).

Basically, after stepping through the committee process, the Dean offered me a Withdraw which I took, namely because a dismissal would look horrible, and would make me feel even more horrible internally.

I'm asking those who would know, if there is ANY possibility for me to "transfer" or "enroll" into another optometry school? I'm an east coaster and interviewed with pco and I really want to get educated from there and only there. I know this is a loaded question, and most ppl are saying it's a long shot, but I most probably do not plan on attending my old school again b/c of how this turned out and they're blah 'provisional accreditation.' They didn't let me retake the exam that caused this mess!

I'm pretty devastated at this entire situation as a whole and lets just say I have a combined student loan amt of >$100,000.00 coupled with grad plus in there as well and I'm only 26 y/o.



Should I throw in the towel and start something else? I have 12 credits left for a M.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences in Miami .. finish that? Job opportunities?

I know how to use the 20D, 78D, 90D lenses. I have a Keeler BIO w/ the VOLK kit and gonio's, I have all this stuff that I have yet to put to use fully. I WANT this.

Imho, I KNOW I can do this, and I see the prosperity in this career, and also, being a former intermittent exotrope I can relate to patients that want to correct or align their strabismic amblyopia.

Please help. PM's are welcome.

 

[Shnurek]

That's a really tough situation you are in. Others should take heed and take the new schools with a grain of salt. Were your academics good before you got into the school? Honestly, I don't think any school will let you transfer if you are not in "good academic standing". So you'd either have to start from the beginning, re-enroll at the same school or just leave the profession. If it were me, I'd take a year or two off and re-enroll in the same school. During these years I'd work as an ophthalmic technician or something of that sort to at least pay off some of my debt. Also, move in with your parents.

 

[blazenmadison]

Sorry to hear that. Optometry is a tough program. There were many instances where I thought I failed especially in classes with one midterm And final.

It doesn't hurt to talk to other schools to see if they will accept you as a second year again.

 

[opto delux]

Thanks Shnurek, that's good advice. Currently I am with my folks, and I see your point with taking some time off and working to pay some money back.

Yeah academics were good before opto school. I had like a 3.6 something GPA during my MS program that I didn't complete. OATs were like 320, all that. Just annoyed. Starting from the beginning is something I am mentally prepared to do.
Should I get my MS degree? or leave it? Friends tell me it's pointless.

 

[Shnurek]

I'd finish the MS if its close to home. Only 12 credits left...its not pointless. In fact, if you have an OD and an MS you will be slightly above your colleagues with just an OD. Not in pay however, but in job opportunities.

 

[q1we3]

These kind of threads make me extremely upset and sad. I potentially could be very very far away from my parents when I start next year and UAB curriculum is not easy by any means. I hope I am not in your shoes down the road. Wish you best of luck.

 

[syma]

Can you please expand on what you mean by "optometry is a tough program"?

I've looked at the course schedules, of various schools and it doesn't look that bad, if you only have to get a 70 to pass a class.

Also, good luck opto delux....I bet if you apply early, you may get into PCO.

Only a 70 to pass?

Yes, but the amount of information that you have to know to get that 70 is astonishing. So yes, optometry like many other programs are tough.

RE: OP
Finish your masters, and then perhaps consider re-entry to optometry. I think having two incomplete degrees isn't favourable, and that's why I think finishing your masters is a good route.

Best wishes! 👍

 

[Tippytoe]

What is this stuff about missing family? It's not 1880 where all you can do is send a letter via the pony express for a month long round-trip conversation.
Hell we have video calls now where you are virtually face-to-face with anyone in the world!

I question these people's emotional maturity. If you need mommy and daddy to tuck you in every night as a 24 year old, you're not ready for the real world in any job. Maybe go for the perpetural college degree program where you never graduate and never have to get a job. I know people like this. 🙄

Or you can suck it up and be a man (or woman) and do what needs to be done. That's what most of us do.

 

[Shnurek]

Or you can suck it up and be a man (or woman) and do what needs to be done. That's what most of us do.

Good advice right there.

If you are emotionally unstable then being a Doctor might not be the best thing. You have to deal with a lot of people's personalities and you can't freak out for example if you have a patient with a bad case of endophthalmitis come in (as unlikely as it may be depending on your office setting - but it will happen eventually) http://www.popthatzit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/6702934f1.jpg

 

[optsuker]

Almost impossible to transfer, especially when you're at one of the new schools already.

For quite a while the Puerto Rico school was known for taking flunk outs from NOVA. That'd be your best chance IMO.

 

[thiaeyemd]

tough story..sorry to hear it...

 

[opto delux]

Take it easy tippy toe, cause u'r getting on mine... I said that was just one contributing factor. Being the new school it was the main problem and complaint. Changes were being made so frequently I couldn't even catch my breath. The school wouldn't take any risks to sacrifice accreditation based on students' performances.

You shoulda saved your energy typing that post. I need help, not aggravation. I performed clinical skills with mostly 95% pass rate with no re-takes. That's what patients pay attention to, not 'emotional stablity' in the exam room because they're the ones with the problems coming to you.

I earned the 3.6 gpa in that Masters program I did while being in Miami and im from Potomac MD, which is pretty far as well, so whatever dude. and needless to say, my sister gave birth to her first born who I didn't get to physically see until last week in person cause flights were so expensive to come back during the semester. So for ur information I was doing those 'video calls' as much of us refer to skype, to see my nephew and family ... Thanks--or no thanks-- n e way

 

[CL Doc]

Take it easy tippy toe, cause u'r getting on mine... I said that was just one contributing factor. Being the new school it was the main problem and complaint. Changes were being made so frequently I couldn't even catch my breath. The school wouldn't take any risks to sacrifice accreditation based on students' performances.

You shoulda saved your energy typing that post. I need help, not aggravation. I performed clinical skills with mostly 95% pass rate with no re-takes. That's what patients pay attention to, not 'emotional stablity' in the exam room because they're the ones with the problems coming to you.

I earned the 3.6 gpa in that Masters program I did while being in Miami and im from Potomac MD, which is pretty far as well, so whatever dude. and needless to say, my sister gave birth to her first born who I didn't get to physically see until last week in person cause flights were so expensive to come back during the semester. So for ur information I was doing those 'video calls' as much of us refer to skype, to see my nephew and family ... Thanks--or no thanks-- n e way

Why would you take advise on something as important as a career decision from total strangers on the internet?

 

[mjl]

Jeez i dont get why people are biting this kids head off. Hes asking on here because that is the purpose of this forum. He is asking questions related to optometry school that i doubt anyone in his family know the answers to unless they have a background in it.

 

[opto delux]

THANK YOU mjl.

enough said

 

[CL Doc]

Jeez i dont get why people are biting this kids head off. Hes asking on here because that is the purpose of this forum. He is asking questions related to optometry school that i doubt anyone in his family know the answers to unless they have a background in it.

Ok, you're a preopt student? Can you prove it?

My point is, I don't know if you really are a student, a lurker, or Emily reincarnated.

We've got optom students on here that admit they use this forum to release their alteregos, you want to trust what they say?

Some people on here hate the profession, want their advise?

It simple, want to be an OD, go to optometry school.

Can't cut it in optometry school, find something else to do.

 

[Tippytoe]

Thanks--or no thanks-- n e way

Errrr...........okay. I was reading a magazine article about today's students written by a college professor. She tells how her students are so mal-adept at dealing with the real world because they are a generation that has grown up with a "trophy award" attitude. They never do anything wrong. They got a trophy just for showing up. They've never been allowed to fail so don't know how to do it.

As soon as they don't get a 'prize' just for showing up, they don't know what to do.

Looks like your story a bit. Nothing personal. I don't know you. But I just don't have much pitty. My path was probably harder than most. At 16, I was on my own working 2 full time jobs. At age 18 I was on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranian sea (before cells phones and instant texts to keep in touch with mommy every night). By 19 I was in combat. I worked full time going to college. I worked part-time through OD school. No mommy and daddy to give me a credit card or pay my bills.

So excuse me if you can't hack it in professional school. You can sugar coat it any way you want but it is what it is.

I suppose posting on here is cheaper than going to a shrink to have someone tell you want you want to hear. I'm just not in the business of blowing smoke up someones gluteus.

Good luck to you either way.

P.S. IQ is one thing. EQ is another.

 

[opto delux]

I was waiting for more ridiculous replies, which reminds me why I stopped posting on here anyways--because it's ultimately useless.

That's right tippytoe, you don't know me and I don't care to know you. Don't ever disrespect me again talking about cheaper options and shrinks-just save it-honestly.

Proven literature states that candidates who get admitted to professional school have the capacity and "EQ" to complete it, regardless of what history or path they took. Also, what if I did complete the OD program there and still didn't earn full accreditation, what would you say then? Yeah I can sugar coat whatever, that's what this freakin forum is for, to post specific situations and hope to get positive feedback.

Thanks for your resume. I'm not going to waste time to post mine.

 

[CL Doc]

I agree....I'm kinda shocked that real life optometrists posting on here are so pompous and condescending/mean...maybe it would be best to ignore them.

I wish you good luck opto delux....i too wouldn't know what to do in your situation and would try to seek the advice of students and professionals on here. The best thing you can do is try to be logical - that doesn't mean putting away your family - your family should be a variable in the equation.....from there, I think the decision you will make will be the only viable one.

👍

The real world is a lot tougher than optometry school. Cut the cord with mommy and daddy before you pass judgement on those of us that have made it in practice.

 

[CL Doc]

I was waiting for more ridiculous replies, which reminds me why I stopped posting on here anyways--because it's ultimately useless.

That's right tippytoe, you don't know me and I don't care to know you. Don't ever disrespect me again talking about cheaper options and shrinks-just save it-honestly.

Proven literature states that candidates who get admitted to professional school have the capacity and "EQ" to complete it, regardless of what history or path they took. Also, what if I did complete the OD program there and still didn't earn full accreditation, what would you say then? Yeah I can sugar coat whatever, that's what this freakin forum is for, to post specific situations and hope to get positive feedback.

Thanks for your resume. I'm not going to waste time to post mine.

I'd like to see the reference for your "proven literature".

Most OD programs have people that fail out. No admissions system is perfect.

 

[opto delux]

Thanks Dirk ... I appreciate it.

CL Doc -- stop thinking you own this forum when you joined like a month ago, I mean, seriously. You get a rush after getting off work and tormenting people on here?

There is no point in discussing the real world because I know what it is at the research standpoint having worked with top principal investigators and scientist III's in multi billion dollar vaccine research companies--but just not fully in the OD world yet obviously. But I do know Top Optometrists, NORA fellows directly, and other accomplished optometrists and ophthalmologists at that, that will MAKE me succeed in it. That is why I'm so upset about this.

Anyways, watch yourself--my culture emphasizes to give back to those that gave to you-who in my case are 'mommy and daddy.' I chose this path to be successful enough to do just that and then some. I am done discussing this topic with ppl that are condescending and I didn't fail anything homie, I took a voluntary W and I don't have to show you anything.

 

[CL Doc]

Thanks Dirk ... I appreciate it.

CL Doc -- stop thinking you own this forum when you joined like a month ago, I mean, seriously. You get a rush after getting off work and tormenting people on here?

There is no point in discussing the real world because I know what it is at the research standpoint having worked with top principal investigators and scientist III's in multi billion dollar vaccine research companies--but just not fully in the OD world yet obviously. But I do know Top Optometrists, NORA fellows directly, and other accomplished optometrists and ophthalmologists at that, that will MAKE me succeed in it. That is why I'm so upset about this.

Anyways, watch yourself--my culture emphasizes to give back to those that gave to you-who in my case are 'mommy and daddy.' I chose this path to be successful enough to do just that and then some. I am done discussing this topic with ppl that are condescending and I didn't fail anything homie, I took a voluntary W and I don't have to show you anything.

So you're incredibly talented and will be a great asset to the profession....but for now you've flunked out of school.

 

[Tippytoe]

Don't ever disrespect me again talking about cheaper options and shrinks-just save it-honestly.

Or..................?

Listen, you tried and you failed. No shame in that. Most people fail at something, at some point in their life. Hold your head up. You did more than most people will in their life already.

In your case, I feel you make 2 mistakes. #1 You weren't emotionally mature enough for professional school away from home. # 2 You foolishly enrolled into a new (un-needed) OD school despite the fact that many practicing docs on here have been warning against such an action for years.

So...................the only REAL screwed up part here is that you now have over $100,000 in useless school loans. I agree that is going to be tough.

My honest advise to you (and I know you will not listen to anything else I say) is to forget about optometry school at this point. Since you have shown you can potentionally handle a professional school curriculum, find a different type of professional school (DDS, PhD, MD, DPM, DVM, DC) that is near your beloved family homestead and try for it. Maybe they will buy the "I found my heart wasn't in optometry and I really want to do _________" excuse.

Option 2 is to start a small business that will bloom into Microsoft one day.

Option 3 is to work 4 jobs to pay off your student debt.

Option 4 is to beg grandma for money to pay off the loan.

Option 5 is to live life "off the grid" and never pay off your bills.

Option 6 is to become a nurse and work in a third world country and maybe the govt will pay off some of your loans.

Option 7 is to rob a bank.

Option 8 ..............................................Mmmmm............that's about all I got.

It's your life. Do what you want. I think all we are saying here is that failing out of school because you are home sick is a very poor excuse.

Despite my raffish responses, I do wish the best for you. I would hate to see you running around in circles.

 

[blazenmadison]

My honest advise to you (and I know you will not listen to anything else I say) is to forget about optometry school at this point. Since you have shown you can potentionally handle a professional school curriculum, find a different type of professional school (DDS, PhD, MD, DPM, DVM, DC) that is near your beloved family homestead and try for it. Maybe they will buy the "I found my heart wasn't in optometry and I really want to do _________" excuse.

Option 2 is to start a small business that will bloom into Microsoft one day.

Option 3 is to work 4 jobs to pay off your student debt.

Option 4 is to beg grandma for money to pay off the loan.

Option 5 is to live life "off the grid" and never pay off your bills.

Option 6 is to become a nurse and work in a third world country and maybe the govt will pay off some of your loans.

Option 7 is to rob a bank.

Option 8 ..............................................Mmmmm............that's about all I got.

opt delux,

Your options are limited. You cannot declare bankruptcy to get rid of federal student loans. They cannot be discharged.

Option 8 would be to finish your masters degree, find a decent paying job, and keep deferring your loans. You may also want to consider entering the income-based repayment schedule for the 100k loans once you get a job. See http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/ig...SRCN=suzescoop&GnavID=1&SnavID=134&NewsID=201

Or maybe a combination of all the options above (except rob a bank 🙂)

It will be extremely difficult to try out for another profession. You have to take the profession's entrance exams, shadow/intern, and repeat what you did for OD school.

Tippytoe is giving genuine advice.

Good luck!

 

[blazenmadison]

Can you please expand on what you mean by "optometry is a tough program"?

I've looked at the course schedules, of various schools and it doesn't look that bad, if you only have to get a 70 to pass a class.

Also, good luck opto delux....I bet if you apply early, you may get into PCO.

Any graduate school program is challenging. You are typically going from ~15 credit hours/semester from undergrad to ~25 credits hours/semester. It's not the material that is difficult but the volume of it. You are not only studying for tests but also practicing for lab practicals and patient examinations. Time management is crucial!

 

[CL Doc]

Or..................?

Listen, you tried and you failed. No shame in that. Most people fail at something, at some point in their life. Hold your head up. You did more than most people will in their life already.

In your case, I feel you make 2 mistakes. #1 You weren't emotionally mature enough for professional school away from home. # 2 You foolishly enrolled into a new (un-needed) OD school despite the fact that many practicing docs on here have been warning against such an action for years.

So...................the only REAL screwed up part here is that you now have over $100,000 in useless school loans. I agree that is going to be tough.

My honest advise to you (and I know you will not listen to anything else I say) is to forget about optometry school at this point. Since you have shown you can potentionally handle a professional school curriculum, find a different type of professional school (DDS, PhD, MD, DPM, DVM, DC) that is near your beloved family homestead and try for it. Maybe they will buy the "I found my heart wasn't in optometry and I really want to do _________" excuse.

Option 2 is to start a small business that will bloom into Microsoft one day.

Option 3 is to work 4 jobs to pay off your student debt.

Option 4 is to beg grandma for money to pay off the loan.

Option 5 is to live life "off the grid" and never pay off your bills.

Option 6 is to become a nurse and work in a third world country and maybe the govt will pay off some of your loans.

Option 7 is to rob a bank.

Option 8 ..............................................Mmmmm............that's about all I got.

It's your life. Do what you want. I think all we are saying here is that failing out of school because you are home sick is a very poor excuse.

Despite my raffish responses, I do wish the best for you. I would hate to see you running around in circles.

Decent advise,

The problem with this generation is that they have been coddled so much they buckle up and cry with any sort of criticism, regardless of how useful it may be.

Some of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time "failed" before they made it big.

Trouble is "failed" is a dirty word for the Trophy Generation.

To the OP, toughen up, get some backbone, and try something else!

 

[Meibomian SxN]

.....Should I throw in the towel and start something else? I have 12 credits left for a M.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences in Miami .. finish that? Job opportunities?

I know how to use the 20D, 78D, 90D lenses. I have a Keeler BIO w/ the VOLK kit and gonio's, I have all this stuff that I have yet to put to use fully. I WANT this.

Please help. PM's are welcome.

If you took a withdrawal, I'm assuming you have to sit out the spring semester and repeat your 2nd year? I'd advise you that you can not transfer because the withdrawal will go on your record regardless. Better to decide during your spring & summer off if :

1) Do you really want to become an OD? If the answer is yes, then don't think too much about the debt load.

2) If not an OD, what will you do to repay the already $100K in loans? Are other professions of any interest to you (nursing, physician asst, etc).

Good luck

 

[opto delux]

Thanks blazenmadison, that's what I'm leaning towards at this point. I'm praying something favorable will arise to a point where I'm able to stand on my feet again and just salvage something. Or another option would be to marry rich, something that is a possibility as well--but perhaps wishful thinking.

Anyways, thanks for the kind words and/or wishes to those that conveyed.

Is anyone interested in purchasing a KEELER B.I.O., condensing lenses, or a Trial Lens Kit? or knows someone? PM if interested. No more inappropriate and condescending replies-enough is enough people.

 

[Shnurek]

Or another option would be to marry rich, something that is a possibility as well--but perhaps wishful thinking.

You might get lucky but a lot of guys (I assume you are female) are realizing nowadays that women screw them over so frequently financially that many will NOT marry without a pre-nup including myself. If he's filthy rich then yea prob won't care. I hope you are hot! lol

 

[opto delux]

haha naw bro, i'm a guy, girls can be sugar mama's too

 

[Shnurek]

haha naw bro, i'm a guy, girls can be sugar mama's too

lol tru that

 

[q1we3]

Any graduate school program is challenging. You are typically going from ~15 credit hours/semester from undergrad to ~25 credits hours/semester. It's not the material that is difficult but the volume of it. You are not only studying for tests but also practicing for lab practicals and patient examinations. Time management is crucial!

That is 100% true. From the interviews I have been to, I was told material is not hard to understand it is just too much to absorb sometimes. But, if you get into a routine of studying most of the time and ignoring what is going on in the rest of the world. You will do fine. Honestly, I can't wait to start my Optometry school no matter how hard it is. I am currently working on minimum wage at a place that I absolutely hate, so studying all day at a Optometry school to become an eye doctor would be a dream come true.

 

[Shnurek]

That is 100% true. From the interviews I have been to, I was told material is not hard to understand it is just too much to absorb sometimes. But, if you get into a routine of studying most of the time and ignoring what is going on in the rest of the world. You will do fine. Honestly, I can't wait to start my Optometry school no matter how hard it is. I am currently working on minimum wage at a place that I absolutely hate, so studying all day at a Optometry school to become an eye doctor would be a dream come true.

👍👍👍

 

[mjl]

Ok, you're a preopt student? Can you prove it?

My point is, I don't know if you really are a student, a lurker, or Emily reincarnated.

We've got optom students on here that admit they use this forum to release their alteregos, you want to trust what they say?

Some people on here hate the profession, want their advise?

It simple, want to be an OD, go to optometry school.

Can't cut it in optometry school, find something else to do.

Cant really say i understand what point you are trying to make here. Yes obviously if you are asking questions on this forum you run the risk of getting bogus answers from some idiot who gets off to screwing with people. He was just looking for feedback for a tough situation he was in.Its his job to sift through what people say. My point is that instead of just answering the kid politely, a couple of people feel the need to insult and patronize him and lace all of their responses with sarcasm.

 

[CL Doc]

Cant really say i understand what point you are trying to make here. Yes obviously if you are asking questions on this forum you run the risk of getting bogus answers from some idiot who gets off to screwing with people. He was just looking for feedback for a tough situation he was in.Its his job to sift through what people say. My point is that instead of just answering the kid politely, a couple of people feel the need to insult and patronize him and lace all of their responses with sarcasm.

Not sure I understand YOUR point.


I think anyone who would base an important (possibly life changing) decision on the opinions of total strangers with no way to verify their credentials is a fool.

Just my opinion.

 

[stoikiometry]

Honestly, I can't wait to start my Optometry school no matter how hard it is. I am currently working on minimum wage at a place that I absolutely hate, so studying all day at a Optometry school to become an eye doctor would be a dream come true.

If you're bored I can throw some stuff at you so you can start studying now. Around this time I had my optometrist's dictionary and a book of common procedures, and some NSU course notes I found on google.

 

[q1we3]

If you're bored I can throw some stuff at you so you can start studying now. Around this time I had my optometrist's dictionary and a book of common procedures, and some NSU course notes I found on google.

That would be great if you can! I will pm you my email and you can sent me whatever you like. If you can recommend any other books maybe about the business side of the Optometry, it would be great. What school and year are you?

 

[stoikiometry]

I'm done first semester at Houston. I can't recommend any business books unfortunately.

 

[319671]

OP-I think you should finish your MS and then apply for some jobs back home. That way, you will have better job op than if you did not have an MS. Also, there are only few credits left, so if you do not finish then any future school you want to do will think that you can't finish things. Then whle You work back home you can pay off some loans, and be with your family. then when you are ready (1-3 years) you can go back.