By Laurie L. Sorrenson, OD, FAAO
The last six months before graduation is approaching for many optometry school students. These last days of formal education are full of anticipation for a successful career, and it’s easy to forget amid all the excitement, that some advance planning is required. Transitioning into either a role as an associate or as a practice owner requires early planning. There are other factors, as well, that need to be considered. Here are my three top tips for optometry students in their last months of school who would like to begin laying the groundwork for a successful career.
Decide if you are going to open a practice. If so, find an OD to consult with who has opened in the last two years. They can help guide you on all the things you need to do. For example, you are going to want guidance on how best to get onto insurance panels, and if you are fortunate enough to have the means to build your own office, you’re going to want help through that process. I recently built my own office, and as a seasoned doctor, I found it a challenge. It is essential that you do your research so you know how best to work with architects and builders and others involved in the construction process.
Decide where, geographically, you would like to practice. If you go to a “popular” town, like Austen, Texas, where I practice, you will not get paid as much as you would in a town that needs more optometrists. There has been a 300 percent growth in optometrists in Austin in the last seven years, according to one of my Alcon reps! It’s crazy for students to keep going to the same areas everyone else is. There are many towns off the beaten path where you can have a high quality of life at a lower cost of living than in the bigger cities, and with a greater need of optometrists.
Go to the local optometric society meetings, especially if you intend to pursue an associate-ship. Go visit the biggest offices in the area where you want to live. Drop off your resume, and be nice to the staff. Set up lunches with area doctors. Get the word out that you are looking for a job. Some optometry schools have job boards, and, as you’ve no doubt already observed, some of your instructors or guest lecturers may have practices they still own or are still affiliated with. Take advantage of these relationships to make the connections you need to kick-start your career.
Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the day after your graduation to finally begin seriously planning your future. You may find that many of your classmates and other new ODs have already gotten a jump on you by that time.
What is your advice to help ODs nearing graduation plan for their future? Or, if you are still in optometry school, what advance work are you currently doing to ensure a successful future?
Laurie L. Sorrenson, OD, FAAO, is president of Lakeline Vision Source in Austin, Texas. To contact her: sorrenson@att.net.
