Notice how all the opto students and optos are against tattoos while all the pre-optos that are commenting are for them. You will mature.
Tattoos (and alternative forms of body art) are becoming more and more accepted in the medical world at large. I think it's safe to say that if the optometrist/dentist/physician walked into the room Iron-Mike-Tyson-style it would give anyone pause, but I think most people couldn't care less if they found out that their providers had more discrete body art.
As a medical student about to graduate and closing in on 30, I have seen countless classmates, nurses, technicians, and doctors with tattoos and piercings in the hospital setting.
Heck, even the "older patients will be offended" argument doesn't hold much water, because you know what, all those wrinkly old men have tattoos all over their bodies from the armed services. And they have siblings, wives, children, and friends who are all used to them.
With each generation there will be less and less shock and awe re: body art, as people see that it has no bearing on the quality of care they receive.
Will there be some crusty prudes in the mix? Sure. Is it a smart career move to tattoo four letter words on the outside of your eyelids? Probably not.
One thing is for certain: tattoos are a personal choice and not for everyone. Don't let anyone pressure you one way or another, and avoid tattoo parlors (and wedding chapels) when drinking at all costs!
