Questions for private practice optometrists / DOs?

Question

this question is for primarily for private practice optometrists but open to suggestions from anyone:

understanding that most private practice DOs are busy and at work to work .....

what are THE BEST questions to ask while interviewing an optometrist for someone who is interested in becoming a DO?

these are a few thoughts ...

- where the industry is heading

- which area of the US will provide the best job growth

- what are the most challenging aspects of being a DO

- will it be difficult to start private practice in the next 5-10 yrs

- will the market get flooded in the next 5-10 yrs

- what are some of the best schools in the country for DO

can you think of any other good questions?

OR

feel free to answer any of the above

thank you =)

Answer 1

Are you confusing DO and OD??  I think you may be, which is making your question all that more confusing...O.D.'s and D.O.'s are totally different...

DO is Doctor of Osteopathic medicine

OD Doctor of Optometry

I'm not sure exactly what you are asking...

Are you asking what questions would be best if someone is interviewing an Optometrist (O.D.) when the interviewer is interested in becoming an Optometrist themselves???

Answer 2

If you're interested in optometry, my advice is go to dental school.  Here's why:

Optometry is dealing with massive oversupply issues, which will only get worse in the upcoming years with several more schools opening.  Optometry has to deal with the blight of corporate optometry, where good doctors are forced to sell-out their profession and do bare bones, cheap eye exams.  It is very difficult to start a private practice anywhere near a big city because of the this oversaturation issue.  The best opportunity for private practice is in small towns away from big cities.  

Dentists don't have nearly the oversupply problems that we do.  In fact, there's an undersupply of them, which is great if you're a dentist.  Ask yourself this: how many dentists do you see practicing in a Walmart?  How many dentists are working full Saturdays or have office hours on Sundays?  How many even have ANY weekend hours?  Not many.