Optometry is Special (take that as you wish)

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!