- Joined
- Dec 24, 2016
- Messages
- 39
- Reaction score
- 10
So I've been exploring the forum for a while now and I have to say, I'm utterly confused regarding the future of the profession (going off of what I read anyway).
I was hoping current Optometrists or Optom students could give honest answers. I understand there are so many factors that play a role when considering certain things like salary but overall, I would appreciate unbiased answers (whether for or against the profession). And just to clear things now- I do intend to apply to optometry schools and become an optometrist! I'm fully committed to this, but do want a reality check:
1. Is Optometry becoming a saturated field? According the US Bureu of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is 27% (much faster than normal). So within 5 years from now (once I graduate) what are the chances of me securing a solid job with good pay?
2. Speaking of pay, what is the average starting salary of an O.D after graduation? How does this level of pay fluctuate as time goes on? "
The median annual Optometrist salary is $116,930, as of August 03, 2017, with a range usually between $103,539-$129,607, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors."
How true is this statement? In most threads I've read, it seems as though Optometrists today are making far less than these numbers...
3. Isn't it true that the field of Optometry is greatly expanding with the push of allowing O.D to perform surgeries? It doesn't level the field compared to Opthalmologists but doesn't it give Optometrists an advantage in terms of getting patients?
4. Approximately how many years does it take to pay off debt incurred from Optometry school?
5. What is the biggest challenge Optometrists currently face (in terms of patients, insurance, saturation, school, debt, etc.) in your opinion?
It would be really helpful if the individuals who respond also mention what they are (Optom student, O.D, Retired O.D, etc.)
Thank you so much and I look forward to this hopefully being a honest, respectful, and enlightening discussion!
I was hoping current Optometrists or Optom students could give honest answers. I understand there are so many factors that play a role when considering certain things like salary but overall, I would appreciate unbiased answers (whether for or against the profession). And just to clear things now- I do intend to apply to optometry schools and become an optometrist! I'm fully committed to this, but do want a reality check:
1. Is Optometry becoming a saturated field? According the US Bureu of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is 27% (much faster than normal). So within 5 years from now (once I graduate) what are the chances of me securing a solid job with good pay?
2. Speaking of pay, what is the average starting salary of an O.D after graduation? How does this level of pay fluctuate as time goes on? "
The median annual Optometrist salary is $116,930, as of August 03, 2017, with a range usually between $103,539-$129,607, however this can vary widely depending on a variety of factors."
How true is this statement? In most threads I've read, it seems as though Optometrists today are making far less than these numbers...
3. Isn't it true that the field of Optometry is greatly expanding with the push of allowing O.D to perform surgeries? It doesn't level the field compared to Opthalmologists but doesn't it give Optometrists an advantage in terms of getting patients?
4. Approximately how many years does it take to pay off debt incurred from Optometry school?
5. What is the biggest challenge Optometrists currently face (in terms of patients, insurance, saturation, school, debt, etc.) in your opinion?
It would be really helpful if the individuals who respond also mention what they are (Optom student, O.D, Retired O.D, etc.)
Thank you so much and I look forward to this hopefully being a honest, respectful, and enlightening discussion!