Is being an optometrist a good career? (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest part of being an optometrist? ›

Optometry Career Pros and Cons: Pro #1 – Low Stress

Compared to other medical specialities it is a nice lifestyle. Optometry is frequently on a list of highest-paid low-stress jobs. While it may not be 'stressful' in the traditional sense, the repetitive nature of it and lack of challenge may get to you!

To summarize, 20 million more routine and medical eye exams will be required in 2025 than were needed in 2015, and this number will continue to increase every year for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, while there is an argument that the optometry field may be experiencing a degree of oversaturation, many opportunities are still available for new grads. The profession's scope, particularly in specialized and rural areas, suggests a future that is still promising for optometrists.

Mostly for historical reasons during the parallel development of the two fields. Optometry developed out of the optical business when opticians would make and grind lenses. Certain opticians developed further training programs so as to be able to "refract," (measure eyes for the glasses prescription).

So you are truly done in 4 years. But optometry school is not easy, it's just more focused on the eyes and the parts of the body that relates to the eyes. Medical school is a lot more information since they deal with the whole body. Some key differences is the malpractice insurance and cost/length of schooling.

Yes and no. Think of it this way: optometry school is a medical school and residency (7+ years), condensed into 4 years by stripping out much of the non-vision stuff. It's easier in that you become a medical specialist in almost half the time.

Women Edge Past Men as Dominant Gender

As more women enter the profession, the workforce continues to experience a shift in the male-to-female ratio, Dr. Heath says. Female ODs represented 43% of responding doctors in the survey. In 2017, 45% of ODs in the AOA's database were women (20,249).

Is becoming an optometrist hard? Becoming an optometrist takes a lot of hard work, diligence and dedication. It requires 4 years of undergraduate study (with a primary focus in sciences/math) plus 4 years of optometry school.

According to the American Optometric Association, the highest paying specialties in optometry are pediatric optometry, vision therapy, and cornea and contact lenses. The hourly rate for optometrists can vary based on many factors.

Is getting into optometry school hard? ›

Optometry school is difficult. Optometry schools have a 74% acceptance rate, and students must pass the Optometry Admissions Test and have a GPA of at least 3.0 to apply for admission. All optometry schools require college-level classes.

They handle complex situations that require human experience and judgement leading to accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, and overall improved patient satisfaction. Conclusion: In contemplating whether AI will replace optometry jobs, the answer is resounding no.

Optometry comes with an uncommonly healthy work/life balance. Full-time work is typically done during the work week, with very few medical emergency calls to pull practitioners in after hours. Some optometrists open their own practices and are able to control their schedule completely.

Unlike an ophthalmologist, an optometrist is not a surgical specialist and cannot treat more serious eye conditions.

Optometry can certainly be a rewarding career as it helps people improve their eyesight and maintain eye health. And along with this eye care career an OD can earn a nice living. But the problem is that income has stagnated and private practice isn't as lucrative as it used to be.

Glasses: Cons

They can distort vision, especially at the edge of the lens if you have a strong prescription or astigmatism. It also can be hard to see in the far periphery or sides of your vision depending on the frame you choose. You may not like the weight of the glasses on your nose or the pressure on your ears.