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Third Year University Student Thinking of Becoming an Optometrist
Ryan wrote:
Hi. I am a 3rd year university student considering becoming an optometrist. However, I've been doing a lot of research on the outlook of optometry in Canada, and have read a lot of comments about how there is a surplus of optometrists in certain areas (which is a big one), competition between other OD's and opticians, laser eye treatment, online purchasing of glasses, etc. From these comments, it makes me want to consider being an MD instead, but I would not want to sacrifice my life for my job. The lifestyle, patient interaction, interest in the eye, are some of the reasons why I am considering becoming an optometrist. Should I choose optometry, I would go to the states instead of Waterloo because Waterloo does not give as much clinical experience. However, this would cost about $200 000 +, and I am not sure it is worth it depending on the outlook. I know the average salary is 70-80 k, but I would like to make 100 000+ in the future through private practice. Can you comment on the outlook of optometry in Canada? I am a student in BC, and would like to practice near home.
Dr Joan Hansen's response:
Ryan,
Congratulations on your consideration of optometry as a career. I do agree that it is a wonderful profession. You are correct that certain areas have a surplus of optometrists – mostly the large cities. However the rural areas are often struggling to get enough optometrists. I would suggest that you consider moving to rural BC when you graduate, where you will be so busy that you will pay off your student loans in no time at all. Then, if you really want to be in the city you can move there.
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Looking at Becoming an Optometrist
Taylor wrote:
Hi, I am looking into becoming an optometrist, I have always wanted to become one but now that im entering grade 11 and taking some grade 12 courses i should be serious about my choice, i am currently at an 86.9 average in all acedemic and advanced classes but I am wondering what the schooling is like in university. I don't consider myself as an overly smart person and I dont want to stress myself out so I just want to know from an optometrists opinion how the schooling affected you in any way. too much stress? cost too much? did you enjoy it? was it all relevant to the job? Thank you for taking your time to read this :)
Dr. Virginia Donati's response:
Hello Taylor,
I applaud you for your choice in future profession! Optometry is an incredibly rewarding field!
You have a great start with your grades being as high as they are. Keep it up!
In university, you will be doing very general work and getting the pre-requisites you’ll need to enter optometry school. Typically, you will need an honours degree in science (Biology, Chemistry, etc), but I’ve heard of some getting a degree in math and arts too and still being eligible to apply for optometry school.
It’s a difficult 4 years of university, but with good study habits and ambition, you should be fine.
After university, you’ll need to write the OAT (Optometry Admission Test) which is a stardardized test similar to the MCAT used to enter medical school, and use that score in combination with your undergraduate and highschool grades to apply for optometry school.
There is currently only one English-speaking optometry school in Canada at the University of Waterloo, and there are 17 in the U.S. Certainly the expense is much greater at the U.S. Schools, but you will have a higher chance of getting accepted since there are so many more of them.
Optometry school is very difficult and demanding and certainly stressful. It is also very relevant and interesting and I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it over again.
Just remember that it will be “work before play” until you’re done the 4 years of university and the 4 years of optometry school and you’ll be fine.
Best of luck to you!
Dr. Donati
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Re: Optometry in a Hospital Setting
Shaun wrote:
I have a question about the profession of optometry. I understand the scope of practice in a primary care setting, but would like more information on what the practice of optometry is like in a hospital setting. How does this compare with the primary care setting and with other aspects or fields of optometry? Thanks very much for your help! Sincerely, Shaun
Dr Langis Michaud's response:
Dear Shaun Optometry is recognized as a primary care profession. That means that most of the optometrists are accessible, on the first line, to diagnose and to manage cases related to ocular health and vision problems. Scope of practice of optometry includes the diagnosis of the ocular or vision condition, the identification of the possible treatments and the appropriate recommendations to improve the situation. That involves a lot of things, from complete eye exams (including refraction and ocular health assessment, both being intrinsically linked) to emergency consultation for red eyes and the prescription and selling of contact lenses and glasses. It is broad and covers most of the ocular and visual needs for the average population. If needed, optometrist can refer your case to an ophthalmologist, a surgeon that is specialised in eye care. Optometrists do not practice in hospital settings but collaborate on a regular basis with family practitioners, emergency doctors and specialists. For more information please consult the Canadian Association of Optometrists web site as well as the American Optometric Association web site. You can also have information from the two schools that deliver optometry doctorates in Canada (University of Waterloo in Ontario and Université de Montréal in Québec). Every provincial association of optometrists has their own web site which contains a lot of information too. Finally, ask your optometrist to have an “observation day” at the clinic. You will be able to witness what optometry is all about on a day-to-day basis. Most of my colleagues enjoy receiving prospective students or people who are interested in the profession. Hoping that this will help you. Dr. Langis Michaud, OD, M.Sc. FAAO (Dipl.) Professeur Agrégé / Associate Professor Recherches cliniques / Clinical Research École d’optométrie de l’Université de Montréal
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