How Much Do Optometrists Make in the United States? | Optometrist Income Potential | Ryan Reflects

[@reign0ffire88]

I’m in Kansas & net usually 150k. My best gross year was $270k when I was paying off debt. If you don’t enjoy helping people you will hate Optometry or any medical profession.

[@RyanReflects]

It’s definitely a labor of love and public service

[@bethelhemhaile1291]

So you made 270k a year ?

[@reign0ffire88]

@@bethelhemhaile1291 only 1 time in 2019 when we finished off my student loan balance of $85k. Normal years I net around $150k. When you have fewer desires or bills you can work less.

[@myodjourney954]

This is a very informative video Dr. Corte. My favorite part is "If you're only in it for the money, you're in the wrong field". I completely agreed.

[@RyanReflects]

Exactly! The income potential is great but optometry is not a “get rich” profession.

[@210SAi]

Stay away from most doctor health care professions. Pay is going down, volume of patients going up and unless you can self finance you education and post graduate office you’ll never recover. The only plausible exception would be if you get the military pay for your education.

[@kichw]

@@210SAi I wanna save for 5 years for med school then start at 37.what do you think? Am just not happy in my field low pay and no patient contact satisfaction.

[@kichw]

@@210SAi I also wanna get married find some one settle down. Just not sure

[@210SAi]

@@kichw I’m all for getting a degree in any healthcare profess AS LONG AS you don’t take out student or personal loans to fund the education. I think you have a good strategy and will do well

[@RD-kw7mk]

I make 225K in NYC but it's a really expensive city to live in. Love what I do.

[@RyanReflects]

That’s outstanding! I’m sure it helps offset the cost to live there.

[@TheExposed11]

I am an optometrist from Russia, our salary is absolutely ridiculous compared to the USA (+ -5,000 dollars per year), thank you for the video.

[@RyanReflects]

Of course! Salary varies dramatically by region of the country. Rural > city (in most cases).

[@sisnsksmshskxnxkmbsm7082]

Your so underrated! I’m in middle school and I really want to become an optometrist, and your videos are helping a lot. I have a question, what could you major to get the best results and get into optometry school?

[@ashwilson1746]

You can major in anything as long as you take the pre requisite classes required for schools. Most people will end up majoring in biology or chemistry because there is a lot of overlap with the pre requisite classes. I'm not sure if there is a major that is viewed favorably by optometry schools, but I would consider picking one that interests you the most so that you do well in it. Thankfully you have at least 4 more years to decide!

[@RyanReflects]

I agree with Ash. One thing to keep in mind is to find a way to keep your education cost low while getting all the preoptometry required classes. Also, there is value in having a business or communications major/background, but it would most likely add another year to your undergrad. Hope this helps!

[@210SAi]

Stay away from most doctor health care professions. Pay is going down, volume of patients going up and unless you can self finance you education and post graduate office you’ll never recover. The only plausible exception would be if you get the military pay for your education.

[@itanof9460]

@@210SAi Can you elaborate more on that I don’t understand?

[@210SAi]

@@itanof9460 which part(s) did you have trouble understanding? Health professions in general are slowly become the modern day career teacher. Steady job, some nice perks but over worked and underpaid unless you get through your entire undergrad and graduate level studies without any student loan debt.

[@joshreese_optometry]

Would you happen to know which specialties make the most money?

[@RyanReflects]

When done efficiently and effectively, speciality contact lenses, ocular disease treatment and management, and vision therapy are profitable optometry subspecialties.

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Not optometry!

[@210SAi]

@@paulbrungardt9823 optometry is a joke! I regret this career choice ever since the 2000s and it gets worse each decade

[@roshaun411]

@@210SAi fr how comes?

[@210SAi]

@@roshaun411 the ROI for an OD degree has greatly lagged as with most college degrees Tuition has skyrocketed while salaries have dragged. They gap continues to expand and it's gotten to the point where most doctors educations (unless paid for by the federal government, military, parents or self pay) has essentially become indentured servitude. Any OD, MD, DDS is going to be paying off student loans for at least a decade or more while working a job they probably do not enjoy due to the volume, demands and hours. The exceptions are persons who want to work in smaller communities and/or rural areas of the country.

[@BorhanKobari]

Is NBEO hard to pass for international optometrist who has finished 2 year bridge program in Usa? How long does it take to pass?

[@ryan_mcevoy]

Really enjoyed your summary of income potential and thoughts on career motivations. You mentioned tech industry within this video as well and was wondering if you see any career opportunities in the future between optometry and tech with the rising popularities of VR or smart devices such as glasses? Thanks!

[@RyanReflects]

Thanks for the positive feedback and support! I absolutely do but it’ll likely be a niche position, as I don’t see big tech employing a large number of ODs. Instead, they will likely partner with industry to bring smart glasses to the masses.

[@hellooodave2895]

Hi, I am a duel citizen, however doing my Bsc Optometry in england. Is there any tests I need to do when I return back to the states to work there as a qualified optometrist ? Can u let me know please thank you

[@RyanReflects]

You would need to get a doctor of optometry degree from a US accredited optometry school and pass NBEO national boards. Some schools offer a program for Bsc candidates, such as NECO and Salus.

[@hussainiqbal618]

Hey Dr. Ryan I got a degree in England in Bsc optometry how can I work in the US with this degree would I need to do a conversion course?

[@RyanReflects]

Unfortunately, international optometry degrees don’t transfer to the USA. A few schools have accelerated programs for international students that are optometrists in their home country but you’d still have to pass all 3 national board of examiners in optometry exams.

[@kripabjoseph6980]

Hey ! I am an Bsc optometry student 1st yr .. After my education , how I can I get a job in USA and what all exam I should meet ??? Plz rply

[@RyanReflects]

It’s my understanding a few schools (NECO and Salus) have a conversion program for Bsc optometry graduates from international schools. From there, you’d need to pass all three NBEO boards.

[@vango1691]

These videos are great

[@stevenjabbori4412]

Killing it!

[@RyanReflects]

Thanks! As are you, @StevenJabbori @SteveSawThis!

[@adyllairino8695]

Hello Doc, I am a secondary school leaver living in Malaysia thinking of furthering my studies in the US. I have completed my SPM which is our national exam for secondary school education. Do you have any idea what I would need to do in order to join an optometry school in the US to get myself a Bachelors degree in optometry & to one day (once I have graduated) work in the US? What I’m trying to ask is are you familiar with the prerequisites for international students in studying the 4 year optometry course. Thank you!

[@adyllairino8695]

Also if you don’t mind me asking would you be able to share how much a fresh graduate can typically make in a year? Maybe in your own experience if that’s not too personal 😅

[@RyanReflects]

Hard question to answer since a lot of factors go into a new graduates initial salary. I created a video on this that I highly recommend you watch and can say most new grads start out around 100-110k (+/-) plus benefits.

[@RyanReflects]

It’s my understanding that NECO and SALUS have an international optometrist transfer program. In regards to specific pre-requisite courses that transfer internationally, I honestly am not sure and would contact ASCO to learn more.

[@superpoints9338]

If Pakistani Student want to study in USA After Fsc what will the procedure?

[@RyanReflects]

A video on this coming soon!

[@meenasalve6265]

Does optometrist can use prefix "DR" before their name's in our country??

[@RyanReflects]

In the United States, yes.

[@meenasalve6265]

@@RyanReflects oooo... Nice..In our country india we cant!

[@shaafsiddiqui9299]

Sir diploma in optometry of 2 years is valid in america

[@RyanReflects]

Great question! Optometry in the United States requires 4 years of undergraduate education and 4 years of optometry school education.

[@farzadnematollahi6592]

Hi Dr I'm from a middle east country. In my country optometrists can make and sell glasses and any kind of contact lenses that make a great income for them. What about in USA?? Is there the same permission for optometrist??

[@RyanReflects]

Yes. Optometrists in the USA can fit and prescribe contact lenses and glasses.

[@BorhanKobari]

Did you realize he is from Iran bro ?😂😅​@@RyanReflects

[@pikusarker1359]

Sir how much ophthalmologists earn in usa? Nice video.

[@RyanReflects]

Thank you. This varies significantly by specialty. I recommend googling the specific OMD speciality you’re interested in to learn more.

[@josephlubula6474]

Dr!!! I want to study optometry in the us, am from Zambia 🇿🇲 southern part of Africa, how can I go about it? Please doc help me out....

[@RyanReflects]

Absolutely! Start here How Does an International Optometrist Practice in the USA? | Optometry Advanced Standing Programs kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5rUlpeCpNiLras

[@KentPetersonmoney]

Maybe I should have did this job. Pay is good. One thing i don't like eye doctors don't cure nearsightedness they just give you lenese that get stronger everytime you come in.

[@RyanReflects]

Myopia (nearsightedness) management is a growing area of focus in optometry. It decreases the rate of progress that naturally occurs in most nearsighted individuals.

[@golfwiz48]

Hey there Doc! I’m currently a second year OD student at the Kentucky College of Optometry, and I’m loving it! My plan is after I graduate to move & join an MD/OD group in Alaska. Aside from owning my own practice (which I don’t want to do) Would this modality put me at the highest end of the income spectrum? Please let me know your thoughts & insight or if any other states would be more profitable/economical? Thanks! 😁

[@dujdhfhfue6858]

Alaska wrong state person. Be a engineering or a trade to have a chance for a job in alaska.

[@RyanReflects]

You can do very well in Alaska based on simple economics. It’s my understanding they have an OD shortage but I’ve found most ODs that work at ophthalmology practices hit a ceiling quickly. You’d have to make sure you’re fairly compensated and has a strong bonus structure.

[@dujdhfhfue6858]

@@RyanReflects entry level very rare. Higher level very small but there. I literally had to leave alaska git 5 engineering degrees, pilot license, certified in 6 trades 7 associated, end up working in the pipeline n a boat my apt cost 1700 a month

[@iradenisevich2124]

Hello! I`m ophtalmologist, citizen Republic of Belarus. But I have Green Card and live in USA. Can you give me an advice about college of optometry?

[@RyanReflects]

Watch this video to learn more: How Does an International Optometrist Practice in the USA? | Optometry Advanced Standing Programs kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5rUlpeCpNiLras

[@MimiMimi-gi3iv]

I am BS optometry graduate from Pakistan... Can I apply in US especially Los Angeles... Are there jobs for optometry graduates in LA??? KINDLY also guide about the duration of degree from optometry school in US?

[@RyanReflects]

I'm working on a video that will outline how international students can get an OD degree and practice in the USA. Stay tuned!

[@akenyayetu]

What is your work life balance. Is this a good field if you want to spend time with your kids? Feel free to be as honest as possible :)

[@RyanReflects]

It’s strong. However, it all depends on how much you work and what your schedule looks like when you do

[@shivekkhurana209]

Sir am a 4th year student in bsc optometry in india , can you tell me how can i make my future in US, and can you suggest me some good optometry schools where i can apply for doctor of optometry

[@RyanReflects]

You’d have to get a doctor of optometry degree from a US accredited optometry school as well as past all 3 parts of national optometry boards.

[@shivekkhurana209]

@@RyanReflects thanks for your tips sir! sir can you tell me some good optometry schools ...?

[@RyanReflects]

They’re all great but SALUS, NECO, and SUNY have programs for out of country transfer that are worth looking into.

[@shivekkhurana209]

@@RyanReflects Thanks a lot for your guidance sir

[@ayishashafeeq5985]

Sir..... I'm BSc optometrist..... How can I get job in America... Please reply

[@RyanReflects]

Thanks for reaching out, Ayisha. You would need a US doctor of optometry degree and to pass all 3 optometry national boards.

[@ayishashafeeq5985]

@@RyanReflects thank you sir☺️☺️.... It's my big dream..... Iam from... Kerala(India )

[@reginaldjohnson1637]

That's good money

[@RyanReflects]

It sure is!

[@biplavmandal7183]

I am from India and doing B.Optometry course. Can I get job in your nation as a fresher?

[@RyanReflects]

Unfortunately, no. Watch this video for more information How Does an International Optometrist Practice in the USA? | Optometry Advanced Standing Programs kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5rUlpeCpNiLras

[@sheekhaneupane6483]

I am from nepal and i have completed bachelor of optometry.Now i want to apply for us so, can i get job in us without having my OD there?if no how much year and cost takes for OD in us?if yes how can i get job? Please reply

[@RyanReflects]

An optometry degree from Nepal doesn’t transfer to the US. You’d have to get a degree from an accredited US optometry program and pass NBEO boards.

[@sikshyagautam5573]

Passed bsc optometry from INDIA but im from NEPAL is it valid in US? or again i have to apply for bsc optometry in US. Or can i directly go for msc optometry?

[@tutu9058]

Does optometrist a doctor or just health care professionals?

[@RyanReflects]

A doctor of optometry

[@tutu9058]

@@RyanReflects but it very strange, in most country it is the real eye doctor who do surgery also does what optometrist does, but in US, optometrist cannot do surgery which makes the salary much much lower than real medical doctor. It is more like dentist income and return is low than effort. I would suggest to go 8 yrs program for real eye doctor and easily triple the income!

[@RyanReflects]

What do you think about the income potential of an optometrist? What income generating strategies stick out to you? Let me know in the comments below!

[@heroesstandardmedia1776]

Thank you so much

[@anjaligawande8671]

Can a bachelor of optometrist from India get job directly in USA ?

[@RyanReflects]

No. You’d have to get a doctor of optometry degree from a US accredited optometry school as well as past all 3 parts of national optometry boards.

[@bbui4372]

Hi Dr Ryan, It's nice to see your video sharing and answering some questions relating to Optometry of my concern. I am really interested in Optometry and just by a fortune I have completed 1 year certificate in India mostly in refraction and ophthalmic technician skills. Please let me know if I can get a job with those skills in the US. Moreover Is it mandatory to get to Doctor of Optometry level to get a job as an Optometrist in the US? I heard that, by law, all optometrists must get to the doctor level to work as an optometrist in the US.

[@RyanReflects]

To practice in the USA, you'd have to graduate from a US accredited optometry school, pass all 3 parts of national boards, and get licensed in the state you plan on practicing in.

[@bbui4372]

@@RyanReflects you mean 4 year bachelor is enough ?

[@RyanReflects]

Nope

[@bbui4372]

@@RyanReflects Thanks so much!

[@hansadevi6338]

I’m doing Bsc in Optometry from UK. Can I practice in US? Can you please (PLEASE!!!) guide me how can I do that?

[@RyanReflects]

Unfortunately, only those with an accredited doctor of optometry degree from a US institution who pass NBEO boards are able to practice in the US. For more information visit optometriceducation.org/.

[@zacksalvatore9443]

NECO and SALUS have official programs to assist foreign optoms in getting accredited. SUNY has an unofficial way to matriculate u into second year but you must take the OAT I believe

[@RyanReflects]

This is a great way for international ODs to get licensed in the US! Thanks for sharing, Zack!

[@joshreese_optometry]

Thank you so much for your wonderful videos! What do you think is the biggest barrier blocking private practice owners from making 200k per year?

[@RyanReflects]

Decreasing vision care plan reimbursements and poorly ran practices. Online competition is another one to keep an eye on. Of course, it takes time to reach an income potential of 200K+ if you cold start a practice but is very doable.

[@zacksalvatore9443]

How are rural docs making more than urban docs? I understand the concept of supply and demand and it makes perfect sense but I searched for hypothetical OD jobs in rural KY and most of them don’t post a salary and if it is it’s full time 60k a year. I saw that and was disgusted

[@RyanReflects]

There is a lot of opportunity in rural America. In particular, I know a lot of practice owners have a harder time recruiting ODs to practice in specific rural areas of the country so they offer higher compensation packages to entice ODs to consider the opportunity. On the other hand, finding ODs to work in urban/suburban areas is significantly easier. Hence, owners of these practices might not have to offer as much to attract strong candidates. Not sure why a rural KY opportunity would be so low but I doubt they’re getting many applicants.

[@zacksalvatore9443]

@@RyanReflects probably the salary is trash is rural Kentucky is because KYCO just opened their doors 5 years ago to the public. I’m moving to pikeville to attend KYCO this July! Hopefully I won’t be stuck in a 60k job 😭

[@RyanReflects]

You won’t! Contact me after graduation and we’ll prepare you to find a great first OD job!

[@Kaibaseto678]

Thank you Doctor for all of this info! What do you think of the number jobs available is going to be for optometrists? Is it hard to find a job as an optometrist?

[@RyanReflects]

There are a ton of jobs available in optometry. It all depends on where you want to live and how you want to practice.

[@shaafsiddiqui9299]

Sir u tell. How much optometrist earn You are optometrist by urs personal experience

[@RyanReflects]

Income varies and depends on a number of factors (state, ownership, practice setting, etc.). What was outlines in the video should provide a solid baseline :)

[@natural4everr]

I believe you mentioned in a previous video that you hold a corporate optometry sublease. Can the earning potential through that be as high as owning one's own private practice? You mentioned that owning a private practice is more competitive nowadays so I am interested to know the pros and cons of the sublease option vs. owning a private practice.

[@RyanReflects]

Yes. It absolutely is and depends on a number of factors. With this in mind, I have a new channel coming out soon called “Aspheric Advice” that will answer all of these questions and more! Stay tuned.

[@210SAi]

Don’t do it, the vast majority of those are miserable or just working in that modality to pay off student debts.

[@bun4638]

I had a sublease made 260000 in net. very miserable 6 days a week.

[@dinobot8698]

​@@bun4638I'm considering working as an associate optometrist (graduate in 5 months) under another doctor's sublease with a corporation that "crafts lenses" if you catch my drift. Will I be miserable? Thx

[@adnanhasan3192]

Can i choose optometry as major and apply for med school later on? Please reply

[@RyanReflects]

You can chose pre-optometry as a focus and switch to a pre-med focus later on. Most ODs and MDs get a bachelor of science degree in undergrad. To go to optometry school then go to medical school would not be a good choice as you’d obtain a lot of debt.

[@chikethecreator76]

Hello thanks for the video, I have an OD degree but not for the US, it's for Nigeria, can I work with that degree in the US since it's the same degree?? Thanks

[@RyanReflects]

Unfortunately, not in the USA

[@chikethecreator76]

@@RyanReflects thank you for the reply, so what do I have to do? Start all over again?

[@amin291]

@@chikethecreator76 nna, you'll have to unfortunately

[@chikethecreator76]

@@amin291 hmmm nawa o😭

[@oluwatomisinfalade4169]

Wait sorry sir so your saying optometrist aren't Rich?

[@RyanReflects]

In the vast majority of cases, no. However, it all depends on how you define "rich".

[@Docante1]

Not many jobs out there for OD’s anymore as they really aren’t needed that much Poor ROI

[@RyanReflects]

There are tons of jobs in optometry. Just depends on where you want to live!

[@sekkhmetx9133]

look into his eyes i can't help thinking keratometry...

[@RyanReflects]

Great visual

[@aniketpal4491]

Sir, do u have any social media account? I am in problem 🙏🙏

[@RyanReflects]

@ryanreflects on all social media platforms

[@RickyIcecubes]

How can they possibly be making that much money? Optometry is literally the only healthcare segment left in the US that has low out of pocket expenses that do not require insurance to cover them.

[@paulbrungardt9823]

4 years pre -med B.S.must have 3.5 GPA or better. 4 Years, optometry, little to no summer time off. $ 200,000 in debt by graduation. First paycheck at age 26-27years of age. There is no shortage of optometrists. There is competition with cut rate eyeglass warehouses. Most ODs are self employed, so no: paid vacations, holidays, sick days, retirement plans. If you are smart enough to get into optometry school, you can figure out it is not worth the expense and ago

[@RyanReflects]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. There are definitely pros and cons to being an optometrist.

[@jakes5530]

1.) You do not need a 3.5 gpa to get into OD school, the application process is holistic at most schools meaning many other factors are taken into consideration for admission. 2.) Time off during the summer varies depending on what school you attend, and what year you are in school. 3.) Debt varies by person, some have scholarships/family help, some dont. Private schools cost more than public. Out-of-state schools cost more than in-state schools. 4.) You can work all throughout undergrad and OD school to earn a paycheck and supplement your loans. 5.) OD shortages depend on the location like Dr. Corte said in the video. 6.) Competition is irrelevant. If you're a great doctor with great bedside manner, your patient retention will be high and those patients will recommend you to their friends and family. 7.) Self-employed ODs have a much higher income potential than employed ODs -- it is a trade-off. If you want all of the benefits you listed, there are no shortages of employed OD opportunities at various practice settings. If you own your own practice, you can provide yourself with many of the benefits you listed. There is no need to discourage current/future ODs with negative pessimistic generalizations. Everything you said can and will vary on an individual basis.

[@RyanReflects]

Well said, Jake!

[@paulbrungardt9823]

@@jakes5530 I do not intend to discourage current/future ODs. I am merely sharing a different viewpoint. Whatever current university students ultimately do, they should do it with a well rounded viewpoint.

[@andrewapple1155]

As an od 10y in have averaged 500k last 2-3 years, this year could push to 550k. Work hard in a high volume privately owned group that I own in as well as the real estate. Mon through fri. Sure ophthalmologist typically out earn us but I started working at 24 as an optometrist. Our sub specialists come in about age 30-31. A busy high volume optometrist can out earn a not super busy ophthalmologist. I think all of the average income stats for ODs are so far off most I know that work 5 day weeks clear 200. Some much more. If it’s what you want to do I wouldn’t be dissuaded by this fellows comment.

[@fitnessbabe7958]

I’m new to your channel Dr.Corte. BTW. You’re handsome.

[@RyanReflects]

Welcome to the channel!

[@shaafsiddiqui9299]

Im from india my course of diploma of 2 years of optometry will be complete in few month . And then i will do 3 years of bachelor degree of optometry in india And then i want to apply in america for optometry . Can i apply for optometry job in america plz reply sir

[@RyanReflects]

Thanks for sharing. To practice in the US, you’ll need to complete a 4 year doctor of optometry degree.

[@shaafsiddiqui9299]

2+3=5 years course

[@adelinafarias5554]

What do you recommend than to be in this profession or not LOL

[@RyanReflects]

I’m happy with my career choice but if you become an optometrist simply because of the income potential, you might be disappointed.

[@RyanReflects]

Watch this Why Optometry? | Why I Became an Optometrist | Ryan Reflects kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqTIemdjncaHhqc

[@akenyayetu]

@@RyanReflects How is your work life balance, is it doable if you want to spend time with your kids. Its okay you can be honest lol.

[@Firahslima]

Good explanations sir.... I am also doing B.SC in optometry... After that what should i do?? I am from bangladesh. How can i apply in us for further study??? Pls reply sir...

[@RyanReflects]

You’d need a US doctor of optometry degree and would have to pass NBEO boards.

[@Firahslima]

@@RyanReflects thank you so much sir... Pls sir...Can tell me in details or give me a link about that...😊 Is NBEO boards exam after doctor of optometry??

[@RyanReflects]

www.optometry.org/

[@Firahslima]

@@RyanReflects thank you ❤️❤️

[@rektscope8860]

@@Firahslima you can also contact any of the optometry school admissions about your questions if you have specific questions. foreign optometrists likely need to do a shortened program to prep for the boards I believe

[@Ashwini-zp4qk]

Is he a doctor??? Or optometrist

[@RyanReflects]

Doctor of optometry 😉

[@hazelgithumbi3709]

Doctor is a title like king or queen. It’s not a profession. Thanks Dr. Ryan for the wonderful video!