I can see this start another OD/MD debate......what the Hell!
With in 5- 10 years, ODs will be using lasers. (I'm not saying they should or shouldn't, just that they will) I do not see them with full surgical privileges, just lasers (ie, lasik and YAG). I also foresee more OD grads in residency programs, there by gaining expertise in sub-specialties. This will be an improvement from the 20% who seek them now. I do not foresee many ODs who have this extra training opening practices only in their specialty, for this is not profitable. The last statement is not saying, "Do it only if you can make six figures." I'm just saying the ODs I know who tried to have only specialized practices starved for a few years, and now see regular patients plus the few who need their specialty. We will also see the field bomb as the baby-boomers age. We will be very busy with lens Rxs and treatment of age-related ocular diseases (i.e. Glaucoma, AMD, diabetic-retinopathy, cataracts). I can also see more commercialization, not only in the chain stores, but in private practice as well. This will not be limited to optometry, but it will be seen in all of medicine. This is the dark side of medicine, and should be a fear for all of us. You can also bet on more cooperation between the fields of medicine. As time has passed, say from when my father started to now, the co-management between OD and ophth has improved, and I can only see this getting better.
Hope it helps
I must be wrong, but I thought you were already accepted at ICO.
😕 When and where is your interview?
P.S. Lauren, do you always hear those voices?
