What To Do When Loving Optometry Isn’t Enough Anymore?

DR. SUN ASKED DR. Green to meet after clinic to talk over drinks. They walked across the street to the restaurant and as they looked for a seat in the bar, Dr. Sun began, “Thanks for taking the time to chat. I’m really at a crossroads and seriously contemplating my future as an OD.”

Dr. Green was taken off guard by Dr. Sun’s words. As they began walking towards an open table, Dr. Green responded, “I’m really surprised to hear that; tell me what’s on your mind.”

“We’ve always been honest with each other, and I don’t want to put you in a pickle when you’re ready to retire,” Dr. Sun hedged.

“That’s still a few years out…” Dr. Green continued, “And we’ve talked about this … you have first right to the practice when I retire.”

“I know. But that’s the thing… I don’t know if I want to own a practice. No offense, you’ve grown an incredible practice, and it would be a smart bet to take it over, but I don’t know if I even want to continue practicing as an optometrist,” Dr. Sun admitted.

“Well that’s absurd,” Dr. Green exclaimed. “You love what you do… and you’re an incredible doctor! Need I mention all the time and money you put into earning your doctorate and fellowship?!”

“I know, I know … you sound like my parents,” Dr. Sun said as he laughed. “I will never regret going to optometry school. Fortunately my student loans are paid off and I’m not making this decision lightly.”

“Why are you contemplating it?” Dr. Green asked.

Dr. Sun answered, “I’ve been practicing long enough to see how things have changed, and I don’t like it.”

“What do you mean?” Dr. Green asked.

“I love practicing optometry. I love the science behind helping people see and being able to improve their quality of life, but over the years it’s become more transactional and less like medical care.” Dr. Sun continued, “Maybe it was driven by the online frame retailers who made people customers and not patients but now we’re seen as a transactional retail business.”

Dr. Green replied, “I can see that… It may also be the reason it’s so hard to find and keep great opticians…”

“Staffing has been really difficult. And don’t get me started on how rude patients have become!”
Dr. Sun added, “I see it everywhere … people have become disappointing. We can’t fire all the jerks, or we’d have no patients left!”

Dr. Green laughed and shook his head, “You’re not wrong. Sounds like it’s time to go back to your roots and reinvigorate your love for what you do.”

Dr. Sun took a deep breath. “I have. Over the past few years, I’ve attended numerous incredible lectures, written and published CEs, and even contributed to some groundbreaking studies. I love learning what I can do to help any patient that walks in our door… but the outside factors far outweigh that. I feel like I’m being a traitor to the profession, but I absolutely can’t see myself doing this until I’m your age.”

Rick R.
Girard, PA

Absolutely not. I get the cynical attitude towards the overall changes in the optical business, but make no mistake, IT IS A BUSINESS. He cares about his patients. You can’t teach that.

If he’s going to be complacent, then no, he shouldn’t take over. But if there’s more than a spark of hope that burns in his desire to be a good OD, he needs to build on that rather than cave to industry changes.

I don’t know if there’s a remedy in so much as a desire to make the industry better from within. Within himself. If he decides to quit, it would be admitting that the part of the industry he so dearly hates … wins.

Deborah T.
Austin, TX

If the doctor is getting burnt out and no longer feeling it, he’s still young and should look at other things to do. Unfortunately, the eyecare business is not what it used to be. People can now get refractions and buy glasses online. The insurances pay very little reimbursement for services, so a doctor has to see a lot more patients to be able to get ahead. BUT! Perhaps he needs a mental week or two off to really evaluate his potential decisions. He spent his time and earned his optometry license. If he should decide to leave the profession, he should keep up with his CE, just in case he finds himself missing optometry and wants to come back to the profession, years from now.

Drusilla G.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH

He needs to change his focus, not leave the occupation! Look into doing VT/developmental and neuro rehabilitation vision care. It is so rewarding! Minimize what you don’t like (dealing with optical). The patients are so grateful that you can help them when no one else has, even 10+ years after a stroke or TBI. Attend an event like the upcoming Optometric Vision Development Rehabilitation Association meeting coming up April 22 (formerly known as COVD).

Reed E.
Boca Raton, FL

The grass is always greener on the other side, but actually each profession has its pitfalls. With AI, everything is being disrupted. Unless he plans to take early retirement, or work from home, there will always be issues with customers and staff. Optometry is a respectful, profitable, and intellectually stimulating profession. You are already past the hard part: school, licensure, building a successful practice. My advice would be to reduce your hours, find a better life-work balance, develop a hobby or get involved in other interests that bring you joy, and perhaps work with a therapist. We all go through those ups and downs. The light is at the end of the tunnel and the pot of gold on selling your practice is not too far away.

Paul U.
Ann Arbor, MI

I too am burned out. I am still passionate about optometry, contact lenses (my specialty), patient care and learning but I am overwhelmed by the insurance companies, paperwork, and knowing that my experience and expertise is not valued as much as the 16-year-old checking boxes who oversees me. I have decided to sell to a new or young doctor and will make it very easy financially for that to happen!