Any Opticians Ever think of becoming an OD?

[Aarlan]

Hey all,

Just out of curiosity, any of the opticians out there consider becoming an OD?

AA

[Glock]

I considered it for about 5 minutes until I found out i would have to go back to school for 8 years. I think in 8 years from now, opticians will be refracting anyway, so why not just wait.

[chip anderson]

Only think of it when I can't get an Rx out of the doctor or the bottom line is red.

[High_Abbe]

If I wanted to go to school for 8 years I would do something entirely different.

[Aarlan]

Some Opticians have 2 years (or more) of school, so it wouldn't be a full 8 years, but I see your point.


AA

[Aarlan]

If I wanted to go to school for 8 years I would do something entirely different.

Like what?

AA

[Jubilee]

When i moved back to Indiana 5 going on 6 years ago, my intentions were to take the science classes I was missing (3 more Chem, 2 more Bio, and 2 physics classes for Science majors) and then go to Optometry School. I was working full time, taking 3 classes with labs, and trying to raise my family all at the same time.

I could not receive any assistance with these prerequisites since I already had a bachelor's degree. I basically ran out of money, and could not finish these courses. Not to mention the stress, insanity, etc.... setting in.

I decided to go the route of an MBA which I can work around my schedule better and in the format I like better. Each class lasts only 6 weeks, but is intense.

I am thinking of combining my MBA, ABO, and hopefully at some point COA into a lead position in a Ophthalmic group. I still am very interested in the science of these applications, and if I somehow receive a $200,000 windfall to pay off my current student loans, and finance the additional schooling for Optometry, then I would sign up in a heartbeat.

Cassandra

[Johns]

I thought about it until I shadowed an OD in Florida. The day started out great, but by the afternoon, he was telling me all the other thing he would have rather done (and no opticianry wasn't one of them). His day seemed very monotonous. I may have thought differently had I chosen someone better to observe.


I went into opticianry more for the business side of it, and not so much because of the science. If I had become an OD, I would have felt like I was wasting my time if I wasn't spending most of my career in the exam room, and frankly, I just couldn't see spending that much time during the day in the dark.

I'm grateful that there are so many ODs out there that are still passionate about their field, and enjoy what they do. I don't think I would last 20 years.

[Jacqui]

Hey all,

Just out of curiosity, any of the opticians out there consider becoming an OD?

AA

I thought about it when I first started in this business. Five minutes later I had an MD talk me out of it. That's OK, I have an MBA, this spring will also have an MSN and in the fall I'll start on my Phd in Nursing (ophthalmic)

Jacqui.

[High_Abbe]

Like what?

AA

Maybe I'd be a movie star, you know rich and famous....that's what I'd do!

[For-Life]

Before I went into University I thought about it. But I like the dispensing part. I like working with people and such, so instead I went for my HBComm. Now I have decided to do my MSc in Management and am writing my GMAT next week. I probably will leave dispensing afterwards, but it will be for a field that I like.

[Glock]

Some Opticians have 2 years (or more) of school, so it wouldn't be a full 8 years, but I see your point.


AA

I graduated from a 2 year opticianry school and it wouldn't count for squat toward optometry credits.

[wmcdonald]

Most Optometry Schols welcome those with the training and background of a well-rounded Optician. I have seen many go to Optometry School and most of their credits were readily accepted. There are some Opticianry Schools that are COA and regionally accredited and do just fine, but unfortunately many others do not meet accrediting standards. What school did you attend?

[Glock]

Georgian College. Read their description below

http://www.georgianc.on.ca/academics...moremajor=OPTI


After you graduate from the above, you can apply for your license here

http://www.coptont.org/


Then you can pay your annual fee for membership in the association
http://www.ontario-opticians.com/

[Aarlan]

I have seen many go to Optometry School and most of their credits were readily accepted. There are some Opticianry Schools that are COA and regionally accredited and do just fine, but unfortunately many others do not meet accrediting standards.

I had a problem with credits transfering from my community college opticianry degree to a University. After 2 years only 3 classes transfered and they were basically useless for meeting any graduation requirements. I essentially had to start from scratch. No offense, but with regard to the General Education Requirements (English, Math, Psychology, etc) there has been no comparison in regards to the difficulty level. The entry level classes at the University I attended vs the community college were not in the same ballpark in terms of difficulty. At most community colleges there is no admission prerequisite or threshold, so the student base (in general) is not as academically advanced as in a University setting. This is not to say that there aren't very bright students at community colleges, because there certainly are! Also, I was told specifically by an Optometric Admissions person over the phone to "not bother taking any prerequisites at a community college since your application won't be competitive enough". Don't know if it's true, but it is what she said.
Now in regards to the Opticianry based classes, (contact lens classes etc ), those were significantly more challenging.
How many people do you know that went through an accredited Opticianry program and then actually went on to Optometry school? I would be curious to know how common it is in your experience.

AA

[Aarlan]

And my community college was accredited by the way.


AA

[Glock]

Good luck in your pursuit Aarlan. Have you been accepted to the optometry school yet?

[wmcdonald]

From experience as a senior administrator at a university, I can assure you that general transer from an AAS degree (Associate in Applied Science) will not be an easy venture, but can happen. Education is a BUSINESS, and schools are looking hard for students. Did you stop at one school or try others. If one won't take you, there are thousands of others. If you wish to go on, email me and I'll send a list that may be a bit easier for you to transition into.

That said, my post did not say transfer to a university, it addressed Optometry School. Glock's Georgian College in Canada is a fine school, but the Canadian system is different. I cannot discuss with any authority the transfer process up there. I do know that I have had many students from AAS Degree programs in Opticianry in the US use the majority of their credits for transfer as free electives. The rest of the prerequisites (Math, Chem, Physics, Calculus, Biology, etc.) must be met, as well. Transfer of courses are on a case-by-case basis generally, and I can only share my experiences. I am certain now to hear from 100 of you who have been unable to transfer, but my experience is that American Optometry schools look favorably upon Opticians who want to go to their programs. Usually, all is not lost in transfer.

[Chris Ryser]

Just out of curiosity, any of the opticians out there consider becoming an OD?

I have actually done it................3 years of optical apprentiship, 2 years of getting to Master Optician with following 3 years of Ophthalmic Optics. Total of 8 years.

That means it can be done, even if did it a long time ago, if finances and time allow it.

[mrmac]

I own my own store and could not afford the cut in pay.

[Aarlan]

Did you stop at one school or try others. If one won't take you, there are thousands of others. If you wish to go on, email me and I'll send a list that may be a bit easier for you to transition into.

That said, my post did not say transfer to a university, it addressed Optometry School.

Out of all the Universities in my area, some were more likely to accept transfer credit, but weren't as competitive as the school I wanted to go to. The other problem was the specialization of the opticianry classes...there was no equivalent at the university.

How many Opticians do you know (who actually practiced for any amount of time) actually went on to Optometry school? Many folks I know wanted to, but never followed through.

AA

[wmcdonald]

You will not gain entry into every school from a Community College, or even transferring from other 4-yar institutions. There are many schools that would welcome you that are quite respectable if you want to go on. As I mentioned earlier, I have had many students go on to Optometry School or into management degree programs and education. Following the process to completion requires dedication.....it will not be easy, but I did it myself, and love to assit others in moving ahead. Let me know if I can help.

[Aarlan]

You will not gain entry into every school from a Community College, or even transferring from other 4-yar institutions. There are many schools that would welcome you that are quite respectable if you want to go on. As I mentioned earlier, I have had many students go on to Optometry School or into management degree programs and education. Following the process to completion requires dedication.....it will not be easy, but I did it myself, and love to assit others in moving ahead. Let me know if I can help.

Thank you for your offer. I shot myself in the foot in opticianry school. I thought I was too smart to put forth any effort and had a huge chip on my shoulder. I subsequently posted terrible grades. 3 years later when I decided to get serious, it cost me more than I care to remember. Getting into that University was an absolute nightmare. I stuck with it, though, and it all worked out well. Graduated in '03 and did well in regards to grades. Last year I wanted to apply to OD school (long story that), but after the 2 years in Comm Coll, and a Bachelors (6.5 years total) I was greeted with the rather unpleasant suprise that the Optometry school could care less about an undergraduate degree, rather they were interested in all of their prerequisites being fulfilled...Of which I was missing 6!
AA

[wmcdonald]

Do not give up if that is what you want. I considered Optometry, but just decided that I love Opticians and Opticianry and want to make them better. I think that for years, people in leadership roles in this profession have let us down by not pushing for stronger academic requirements for entry into the to profession. Sometimes I get discouraged, because I feel that many Opticians do not want to advance, but then I hear of folks like you who have gone on to complete degrees and I become a bit more positive. If Optometry is really what you want, then don't quit. I chose education, because I feel I can, and have, made a difference. You may want to think about that, because we need Opticianry educators with degrees. Several states are seeking faculty members now. Opticianry has some advantages, and many paths. Email me if I can ever be of assistance.

[Glock]

wmcdonald, I agree with you about needing educated opticianry leaders.

I'm all for opticians going back to school. I just don't see it as upgrading to optometry because normally you are going to have to start all over again, unless you already have a B.Sc with the optometry prerequisites. It would be just as difficult for an optician to become a dentist.