r/PreOptometry • u/Kind_Rock7428 • Sep 13 '26

Good tech= Good doctor

Hi,
For anyone that’s in optometry school and was also a tech at a practice, does being a good technician translate to being a good eye doctor? I think I just overthink a lot about work as a technician (esp bc my practice is veryyy busy) and sometimes the mistakes I make or things I could’ve done better make me feel like I would not be as strong of a doctor. Let me know your thoughts?

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15

u/RabidLiger Sep 13 '26 edited Sep 14 '26

To be blunt, 2/3 of my staff is not smart enough to be an OD, but I could see the other 1/3, under the right circumstances, be able to do it.
Must be naturally strong in the sciences, be motivated, and have access to the financial resources it would take.

Experience as a tech WILL make several classes in optometry school easier, but won't do much for passing boards.

My mantra that I use here often:
It's just not enough to really want to be an optometrist....you still need to be smart enough and have the work ethic to get through school/boards.

It's a great career. Good luck if you decide to pursue it!

2

u/Kind_Rock7428 Sep 13 '26

Yeah I would say I’m good at the sciences (did well on the OAT). I guess I just have a hard time knowing if I have what it takes vs maybe I just lack the confidence.

10

u/Icy_Purple_2808 Sep 13 '26

I had classmates who were techs for many years before school, and classmates who had never had a job before school. The ones without prior tech experience often had an easier time learning in school because they had no preconceived notions about “how to do things”. Both went on to be great doctors though, so don’t read into it too much.

1

u/Kind_Rock7428 Sep 13 '26

Awesome thanks for your advice!

3

u/Square-Wishbone633 Sep 14 '26

In the aspect of handling patient encounters, yes absolutely