Advice needed: Optometrist or optician

[ariaxss]

Hello!


First and foremost, I do apologize if this isn't the right forum for these types of questions but next to reddit, this seems to be the next best place to ask these types of questions. Moving along...

I'm a recent graduate with a B.S in Chemical Engineering looking to pursue a career as an optometrist (it's a long story, I'm not going to get into it). Keyword there is "looking" - as of late, I've been having doubts on whether or not it is still a viable option for me. There is an over-saturation of optometrists in recent years, particularly in the state that I want to practice in (California). Optometry school to put me into between 230 - 300k in loans so I'm very worried about what my finances are going to be like post-opto school given that it's so hard to find a job. I was wondering if anyone here can give me some advice on my dilemma, as well as give me some insight on what the job market is like for opticians or give me some resources I can use to conduct my own research.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[optical24/7]

Don't go into Optometry unless it's your life's passion. Your right, over saturation along with possible market share loss from future advances in tele-med and web based refraction apps. For the costs of going to OD school you could be a dentist and start out making 2-3 times what you would as an OD.

Skilled Opticianry is almost gone today and will be less needed as technology advances. Future salaries will reflect this. Good luck in you quest!

[rbaker]

With a BS in CE I would stick to my knitting. Chemical Engineer's are one of the highest paying engineering disciplines and in high demand. If you really want to continue spending money grad school in your engineering field would be the way to go.

Optical24/7 has got this one right. I cant see (no pun intended) Optometry as being a "life's passion" but, what do I know.

[pknsbeans]

I don't mind it. I can basically write my own schedule, pick whatever working environment I want (retail, medical, private), and I don't have to stick my fingers in somebody else's mouth. Most optometry schools have data on loan amount and placement rates. When I graduated, the school had over 96% placement. If the market is truly saturated, that's where you'll find out. I don't feel it is, but it's regional.

[71pagoda]

In the northeast there is actually a shortage of Optometrists.. Most new grads are joining ophthalmology practices. Being in retail, Optometrists are retiring, or leaving the profession because insurance. Virtual Optometry will take a large market share in the next few years because of the lack of Optometrists that are available.

[Chris Ryser]

For the costs of going to OD school you could be a dentist and start out making 2-3 times what you would as an OD.

Skilled Opticianry is almost gone today and will be less needed as technology advances. Future salaries will reflect this. Good luck in you quest!

With a BS in CE I would stick to my knitting. Chemical Engineer's are one of the highest paying engineering disciplines and in high demand. If you really want to continue spending money grad school in your engineering field would be the way to go.

To make it short and simple, the best advice possible has already been given

[Lelarep]

Go to med school and do ophthalmology. If you're a CE, you have the brains, and most likely the pre-reqs, to get in, no problem. If you are missing any pre-reqs, they have things called "Post-bacs" that are designed to finish up missing requirements and get you ready for the MCAT.

[RIMLESS]

I would think hard about other options. When you look at the incurred expense and ROI as well as the potential for further erosion of the profession itself from numerous sources such as the internet and refractive surgery. I don't believe you will ever see a DIY root canal kit on EBAY

[drk]

You can't choose ophthalmology residencies, they choose you.

I wouldn't go into health care, period, unless it's a passion.

Nurse practitioner would be a good bet.

[COMEINPEACE]

correct
OPTHALMOLOGY residency....tougher entrance than med school

[optical24/7]

You can't choose ophthalmology residencies, they choose you.


.

correct
OPTHALMOLOGY residency....tougher entrance than med school

OMD's are born, not made. They are a different breed of human......Like engineers....




Hey! The OP may just fit in!

[Chris Ryser]

OMD's are born, not made. They are a different breed of human......

A friend of mine for many years, chose Ophthalmology because it the best medical profession for a surgeon that wants a orderly life without many emergencies to take care of.

[fjpod]

Optometry is a rewarding profession. Yes there may be an oversupply in some places. My practice which contains 5 doctors is booked 3-6 weeks in advance. If you practice full scope eye health care, and not just refractions, you will have a fulfilling career.

What's wrong with the equation you mapped out is the amount you plan to borrow. I am not a believer in borrowing the funds you need to live. I would strongly advise that you only borrow what you need for tuition, books and fees. If you did not go to Optometry school, you would have to live somewhere and eat anyway. Lots of people do not heed this advice and wind up having trouble paying the loans. That doesn't make optometry a bad career choice.

Just my humble opinion.

[Uncle Fester]

Something else to ponder is you are literally in the dark all day long. Also how well do you tolerate others breath? You'll be kissing close at the slit lamp!!!

[mervinek]

Something else to ponder is you are literally in the dark all day long. Also how well do you tolerate others breath? You'll be kissing close at the slit lamp!!!

bleh!

[Wisconsin ABO]

CNA or PA

[wmcdonald]

Certified Nursing Assistant........you must be joking? PA is a great career requiring a Master's Degree. Rather than CNA, you may mean Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS) both master's degree prepared folks. Know that entry into PA programs are competitive, and require a significant GPA, a good entrance exam score, and successful interviews. In my universities PA program, there are 1000 applications annually for 40 spots. So it can be more difficult. It takes 2.4 years to complete. It is still expensive. Unlike some here, I believe health care is a great career with outstanding potential. It is the fastest growing segment of our economy, and will remain so for some time to come.

[Wisconsin ABO]

Certified Nursing Assistant........you must be joking? PA is a great career requiring a Master's Degree. Rather than CNA, you may mean Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS) both master's degree prepared folks. Know that entry into PA programs are competitive, and require a significant GPA, a good entrance exam score, and successful interviews. In my universities PA program, there are 1000 applications annually for 40 spots. So it can be more difficult. It takes 2.4 years to complete. It is still expensive. Unlike some here, I believe health care is a great career with outstanding potential. It is the fastest growing segment of our economy, and will remain so for some time to come.

CNAs are a gateway for many healthcare fields, as it provides healthcare experience. You can't attend a PA program without such experience. Anyways, CNAs require education in every state, not an apprenticeship in some states. I also suggest undertaking a medical degree.

[wmcdonald]

You can complete the very minimal education required to be a CNA in high school, and do very little work that requires much thought. But you are correct.......they do require more education than we do, which is embarrassing to say the least, something I complain about loudly every day. But regardless of that, becoming a CNA would not be an alternative path for this highly educated engineer, even to gain health care experience. Far better ways to accomplish that task, and I work with students daily to do so. Becoming a physician is a great path as well.

[Wisconsin ABO]

You can complete the very minimal education required to be a CNA in high school, and do very little work that requires much thought. But you are correct.......they do require more education than we do, which is embarrassing to say the least, something I complain about loudly every day. But regardless of that, becoming a CNA would not be an alternative path for this highly educated engineer, even to gain health care experience. Far better ways to accomplish that task, and I work with students daily to do so. Becoming a physician is a great path as well.

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/show...-of-Opticianry

[wmcdonald]

OK.......good. I am pleased we agree on the need for positive change in Opticianry. Keep that idea moving forward at every opportunity.

[Lelarep]

NP and PA are both meant for people who don't want to or can't get into med. school. If you can get into med. school, do that instead.

[Wisconsin ABO]

NP and PA are both meant for people who don't want to or can't get into med. school. If you can get into med. school, do that instead.

Healthcare's in demand, so you can't go wrong with either. OP, try engineering for a few years. You made it this far, so why not. You can also become an lpn for experience.

[wmcdonald]

NP and PA are both meant for people who don't want to or can't get into med. school. If you can get into med. school, do that instead.

Many people today choose to go the PA route. An important example coming into my universities top-rated PA program........Army medics from Fort Bragg, the nations largest military population. I have a medic graduating in May who spent 20+ years in the Army, has a wife and 2 children, and does not want to take the next 8-10 years to get e medical degree and license. He had a bachelor's degree already, but took a year to get the necessary science prerequisite courses (his degree is in engineering, by the way) for either med school or PA school. Because of his age and time requirements, he choose the PA route. The same is true for nurses. Many return after some years in practice as an RN to NP programs, and they are very much in demand. Med school is a great thing I strongly encourage, but to say folks that go other routes are somehow less than is not correct. It all depends on personal needs and desires.

[Lelarep]

Many people today choose to go the PA route. An important example coming into my universities top-rated PA program........Army medics from Fort Bragg, the nations largest military population. I have a medic graduating in May who spent 20+ years in the Army, has a wife and 2 children, and does not want to take the next 8-10 years to get e medical degree and license. He had a bachelor's degree already, but took a year to get the necessary science prerequisite courses (his degree is in engineering, by the way) for either med school or PA school. Because of his age and time requirements, he choose the PA route. The same is true for nurses. Many return after some years in practice as an RN to NP programs, and they are very much in demand. Med school is a great thing I strongly encourage, but to say folks that go other routes are somehow less than is not correct. It all depends on personal needs and desires.

Hence why I included "Don't want to" in my post. They are good alternatives exactly for the types of people you mentioned, however, for a young, recent college grad, I would advocate they go for the MD, and only consider the alternatives if for some reason that is not realistic.