Expert: Janet Carter - 4/28/2002

Question
Hi! I'm in 5th grade, & I have my heart set on being an optometrist. We have to get some questions answered about our long range goal for one of my classes. I'd be much obliged if you would be kind enough to answer some questions for me.

Did you get any scholarships to college?
Did you get a full scholarship?
If you did, how did you get them?
How did the scholarships help you?
How did you organize your study time?
Did you have a separate job while in college?
Why did you pick to be an optometrist?
How hard was it to get this job?
What is the beginner optometrist's average pay?
Were you ever an apprentice?
If you were, who was you mentor?
How much insurance does this job require?  
Is your job stressful? (On a scale of one to ten)
What do you like about being an optometrist?
What don't you like about being an optometrist?
How many years have you been an optometrist?
What hours do you work?
How many hours a week do you work?
Do you get weekends off?
What motivates you to come to work every day?
What are some setbacks you've had?
Have you ever had anything happen throughout your life that has greatly influenced the way you do your job?
Am I just as capable to be an optometrist when I go to a small school as I am when I go to a big school?

Answer
Normally, I don't answer homework or school questions....this is just my policy.  If you want to interview an optometrist, I would suggest that you go to your own optometrist....you'll have better luck.  Now, the last time I told a kid this, I got a very nasty email from his/her teacher...accusing me of being uncaring for not taking the time to answer.  Well, I am busy, and your questions would take way too long to answer right now.  I recommend you go to your favorite search engine and type in "American Optometric Association" ....you'll find plenty of answers at their website. Anyone mature enough to make up the sorts of questions you ask is ready to go to the website to find the information.  If you got help with the questions, get the same help finding the website!!

Also, many of the questions you ask will be different for every optometrist you meet.  Do I work weekends, yes, but only because I choose to.  Many optometrists don't.  I LIKE working weekends.  etc. etc.

Good luck.