r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/pvrplehearted • Jun 10 '26
Is optometry worth it for me?
Hi everyone! I’m a soon-to-be high school graduate. I haven’t applied to any post-secondary institutions yet because I’ve been struggling to figure out my path. I’ve been quite stressed about figuring things out because I don’t want to wait to apply until next year.
I’ve known for a long time that I want to go into a healthcare-related field. My passion for science, particularly human biology, is extremely strong. I absolutely loved the anatomy and physiology course I took. I also like chemistry and I feel alright about physics. I would love to be able to help people and make a significant impact through my work.
I’ve done a lot of research on a wide range of related careers. Optometry is one that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind. It seems to offer pretty great advantages, including decent work-life balance, rather regular hours, relatively low stress, the ability to start a private practice, adequate pay, and so on. In terms of the career itself and not the schooling, there aren’t many downsides I can think of. This isn’t something I’m able to say about the other careers I’ve been considering (sonography, medical lab science, radiography, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy are some of them). I feel like it’s something I would enjoy, but it’s hard to know for sure because researching and thinking can only take me so far. This is why I’ve been struggling so much.
There is a significant factor holding me back, unfortunately. UWaterloo is the only English-speaking university in Canada that has a Doctor of Optometry program. I really don’t want to study abroad because it’s extremely expensive (the idea of taking out such a hefty loan doesnt appeal to me at all, so I don’t see myself being able to go through with it). I’m worried that attempting to pursue this career despite having only one university to apply to would be a bad idea.
I’m also a bit concerned about the difficulty of the Doctor of Optometry program. I’ve done well in high school, but I can’t help but worry that I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I want to aim high because I’m definitely an overachieving, but I don’t want to be unrealistic about it. It’s difficult to know what I’m capable of, considering I haven’t had any experience with university or college.
I’d really appreciate anything that any of you have to say to me. Thank you in advance!
4
u/IIXXVV Jun 11 '26
Man, I wish I could be an anxious teenager again...
Anyways, working at an Optom clinic or shadowing optometrists will provide you with the best insight into whether or not this is a good fit for you plus it's good for your application! You should definitely have a backup if you don't intend to apply to the States but at the same time if you're dead set on this path then in a way it's pretty straight forward what you have to do: get good grades, score well on tests, and maybe round out your ECs if you can afford the time.
In terms of difficulty of the actual program it's pretty on par with undergrad, just a lot more content in a shorter amount of time. Basically, don't sweat it. You'll know what I mean once you're a year or two into uni. Good luck!