<p>Hello,
I'm a senior high school student and I have some interest in human health but as I've heard so much on just how hard and overwhelming medical schools can be, that I'm considering becoming an optometrist instead. Is it really any different? Easier? Interesting? What about the OAT? Any feedback from current optometry students will be appreciated. (Pros and Cons of the road to becoming one and/or being one)</p>
<p>Not an optometry student but as a med student who was interested in ophthalmology for a while I have some insight...</p>
<p>Only about 20 (19?) optometry schools in the US, OAT is easier than the MCAT, optometry school is hard to get into but probably more tied to the few spots available than the competition. Optometrists typically have higher job satisfaction than MDs b/c they have consistent hours, no call, can have a family, etc. - basically all the lifestyle issues are pretty good. Pay is good but somewhat dependent on where you are located. </p>
<p>Topics in Optometry school have less breadth and while you typically take courses that aren't eye specific, you don't necessarily get as much info as medical students get. There are a lot of diseases and drugs that have ocular presentations or side effects though, so you do have to get a lot of that stuff. </p>
<p>Overall it's a good job, and an important member of the health care team.</p>
<p>==Bump==
Maybe someone can comment on whether one can have a balanced lifestyle during optometry school?</p>
<p>Anyone out there? any thoughtful reply will help.</p>
<p>???????????????????</p>
<p>Optometry school can be rigorous. But it is generally not as bad as med school. You still do make as much as certain doctors though. As with any graduate program most of your time will be spent studying. Their really isn't any graduate program where you can have a balanced lifestyle, but they do have varying levels of difficulty.</p>