Last week, I attended the American Academy of Optometry annual convention in Indianapolis, IN. It was a week filled with continuing education, reunions, meetings, and receptions. Honestly, it was exhausting, but fun! I think that I averaged 10K steps per day and about 8 hours standing on my feet. But, the thought that kept popping into my head was, "Optometry is special" in both good and bad ways! One day of this convention, I had a scheduled meeting at 11:00am in the Exhibit Hall. Well, I showed up at 10:00am and spent 45 minutes talking to an optometric educator. Then, at 10:45am I saw the person I was to meet at 11:00am. We started talking early and then at 12:00noon began to walk the floor of the exhibit hall. It was so much fun to see friends from AAO, ASCO, Industry, Colleges of Optometry, Private Practice, and Media. I looked up and it was 3:30pm. That's one example of the things that makes optometry special. Here are some more:
Optometry is special because it introduced me to lifelong friends!
Optometry is special because it attracts people-oriented people who are fun!
Optometry is special because we have common goals and common enemies!
Optometry is special because we are supported by wonderful industry partners and community organizations!
Optometry is special because we teach ourselves to be on the cutting-edge!
Optometry is special because we all have an inferiority complex when it comes to MD's!
Optometry is special because we fight amongst ourselves!
Optometry is special because we make things much harder than they need to be!
Optometry is special because it provides us with a wonderful lifestyle and quality of life!
Optometry is special because it allowed me to assist so many patients, students and colleagues throughout my career!
Optometry is special because it allowed me to retire early and truly enjoy the second half of my life!
So, yea, not everything that makes optometry special is positive! But, I wouldn't trade this profession for anything. Optometry is special!
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