Recent content by optsuker

I think you'd be surprised by how many selling docs may be willing to finance the sale themselves. Getting the payment monthly over several years has some tax benefits over a lump sum. I financed the buy-in of 25% of my practice. Once the price was set, I required a 20% payment and financed...

By far the best bang for the buck is the HPSP program. Must be accepted at an optometry school to qualify. They will pay for almost everything & you are a Captain on your first day. I came out of optometry school debt free, did 3 years of active duty & 5 years in the reserves. Great program if...

If your goal is to practice in the states, choosing IAUPR is by far the riskiest move you can make. Until their NBEO pass rate improves, why risk the chance that you will have a diploma, but no choice in where you can practice. IMO, it should never be chosen if you've been accepted somewhere else.

My opinion: If your goal is to practice in the United States, DO NOT GO to IAUPR. When it's 50-50 that you'll even meet the requirement to be licensed upon graduation, Ican;t in good faith suggest someone go there.

You have to do the math. You'll graduate at 46. How many years will you have to work to pay off your student loans? Living a frugal life while you pay them down is easier as a single/couple than with kids that will be heading to college themselves. If you're able to write a check for the bulk of...

https://optometriceducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ASCO-Report-2016-2017-1.pdf Here's the latest numbers. Some are horrendous. I'm the advisor for our local university's pre-opt club and these are stats that MUST be considered before choosing a school. Unless you have an extraordinary...

"I took a gap year because I felt like I needed a break." Not lying, and saying anything that will hurt your chances for acceptance. I would not volunteer more than that. If you're a marginal candidate, it could hurt your chances.

Probably better for the Pre-Opt forum, but: Clinical rotations refers to the hands-on training done prior to graduation with real patients. Lots of variety, but will usually include a combination of: On-site clinic where you'll see patients under direct supervision of faculty Off-site clinics...

Be prepared to explain the disconnect between your GPA and OAT. 2.7 is a C/C+ average. Realize that you're going to have a heavier course load of ALL science classes. You will benefit from the fact that there are too many optometry schools and not enough good candidates.

A vast majority of states require that you pass all parts of NBEO and have graduated from a US/Canadian school of optometry. In some cases, an international degree might get you advanced placement in an US school. Canada has a slightly easier route to licensure for international grads. Always...

I got married, bought a house, and bought a large existing practice all in the same month. I owed over $800K before I had earned $1! Was scary, but also a great motivator to work hard and be a great optometrist!

IMO, spending that much time together, especially under the pressure of a cold start, is not healthy for a relationship. The downside is much bigger than the upside. Just being in authority over your GF is going to be weird. A little easier if its a spouse. MY wife has been an employee of my...

Like KHE always says, "Don't reject yourself, let them do it" Go through the normal application process, don't bring it up, but be prepared to discuss it if they do.

If she's a nursing student, it's most likely a temporary gig, so shouldn't be a big deal. Set up some ground rules about how you interact at the office. Can't favor her over your other staff (even the appearance will cause an uprising) Hope you have a strong relationship because a break-up...

I had 2 nurses in my opt school class. They had some definite advantages: -Familiar with med terms, insurance, and clinical situations. -Both worked a night/weekend shift or 2 to finance their way thru school -Very employable (especially to ophthalmologists).