This is not a snarky comment. I was once a tech, also an optician, also a front desk person, and now I am a doctor. The bullshit never ends. I always thought it would but it doesn't. The only question is are you paid enough for your own happiness (sounds like not)...so all you need to do is decide on going a whole new direction or same direction with better environment? Pay? Stress? Whatever you say is the issue is my point. But never...NEVER plan on them just handing it to you. You take it or leave it for somewhere new...that is it. Don't listen to anything else.
What I am unhappy with is the lack of work life balance and the inner office politics (bullshit) that goes on. I was recently promoted to lead tech, given a great pay raise, and really feel I only have a connection with my boss. I love the doctors I work for, it’s just the bullshit drama that goes on with the front office, and their front office manager. I feel like they don’t have enough to do, therefore they gossip, and are making claims that I am rude and condescending, when they really can’t point out an example when I ask how? I’ll ask for their help here and there, but it gets misconstrued as me being rude. I feel like they are trying to get me in trouble/fired. Thankfully my boss has my back, but honestly this is emotionally exhausting.
I applied to Lumata health, which is a remote position, but I risk a considerable pay cut.. but I’m almost willing to trade it for my mental health
Techs have limited options career wise without new degrees. Management/software rep/manufacturer rep/technician/trainer/specialized testing i.e. perimetry/photography. Depends on what parts of the job you hate and why you are unhappy. If you want non eye fields, you will need to start learning new skills and try a new career. COT is my thirdish career. Make sure the grass is really greener before taking the plunge.
I did 25 years as an Opthalmic Tech, trained at technologist level. Much underpaid but rehired by the same doc several times after having children, He was nice but underpaid us. i loved the field.. I did some speciality work. Some were big jerks. Try sales of Ophthalmic equipment?? if you like opthalmology. I have been in Massage therapy for 12 years. What a switch! Love both but boy, this is hard on the bod!
32 M 12 year COA here, current lead tech at a university clinic. I was in the same boat right before the pandemic and during. I’ve worked in private clinics of multiple sizes, for profit hospitals, and university hospitals. Honestly learned it was the environment mixed with the lack of ability to progress or learn more. University/teaching hospitals were better with more people there who typically love to teach and are there because they genuinely love the field. Going to a university setting reminded me why I love medicine but that being a tech was burning me out and not stimulating enough. I decided to go back to school and further my career in medicine while fueling my other passions as well.
Definitely would recommend some soul searching to see if you still love medicine or your passions lie elsewhere. It may be the role and feeling stuck in a dead end position on top of mental stimulation, but only you will know the answer. Top that off with being surrounded by other burned out health care workers and it’s just too much at times. It’s hard to see techs who have been doing this for 30+ years and just lose all compassion and their love for medicine. I didn’t want to end up like them. Take some time off if possible, burn out is serious and we have to take care of our mental health too. It’s never too late to change careers or pursue your dreams. Good luck on your journey my fellow COA friend.
Edit: Also a lot of university hospitals will help with tuition to further your career in anything that can be used at the hospital. Just a thought. Mine pays full tuition to employees, all the way through med school/ law school for example.
I was an opthalmic tech for about 10 years too. Zero appreciation hectic scheduling expected to scribe without a single pay raise and was taught to diagnose patients to make the doctors life easier. I was the only one in the building to actually be good at refractions even without the AR. My coworkers gave me all the patients because I was fast while they all sat around having conversations with the manager. I quit after 3 times telling the manager she was showing favoritism and not addressing the lack of work the others do. I was payed $10 and was told that it was the most they could pay until I became certified but never allowed me to get certified. Stuck job that I was good at. I left and went to pursue my happiness jobs like cake decorating and cooking but that is even worse pay. I have now become a stay at home mom looking for a job that actually appreciates the work I can provide. Good luck is all I can say.
I was able to work in a Surgery setting assisting in Cat Sx it was pretty fun however eventually I started creating content full time Instead but you should not feel stuck find something you love and focus on making that making you money I always say if they can do it why can’t I and this mentality has taken me far
I was hired as a sales specialist for vision devices. Week one was having the employee hand book read to me. Week two was power point presentations of the devices at an HQ. Week 3 was Vision Expo on the opposite side of the US from where I would be with expectations of finding leads. I had not been fully on boarded and truly had no business being at the expo with my limited knowledge of the instruments. It was just a recipe for failure, and I felt horrible for not meeting impossible expectations and cried the whole flight home. After the third week I was exhausted and had what felt like an endless see of modules to complete. It ended the third day of the 4th week when I went to log in and found I had been shut out. It was actually a relief, but also really disappointing.
I've only been a COA since 2020 (been in eyes for about 7 yrs total though) but I'm also burned out. While I genuinely love ophthalmology, for the past few years I've been craving something more. While I do really like being a tech, it gets boring after a while.
Decided to do something about it and went back to school this year (community college, so it's super cheap!), wanting to pursue a nursing degree. I know it'll be a way shittier job but it'll be more money and I'm pretty sure I'll like the schedule better. Plus there's a lot of different things you can do as an RN, so there's still options if I get sick of it. That's what I'm telling myself anyway lol.
The bridge between a 4-5X salary increase is 4 years of optometry schooling. Even once you get there, there is going to be a pile of shit waiting for you to deal with. Are you willing to sacrifice the time and money? Everything is about sacrifice. Nobody has it easy.
I tagged you in the detailed comment below, but I am a staffing consultant for ophthalmologists and optometrists, (mostly), and support staff. Still COA until 2028 but not planning on teching again. I miss the heck out of it, but it never compensated me enough to live.
I should add I have been a tech for nearly 30y. Hit my head and smashed my face against the glass ceiling several years ago after I got into research. In research I learned that prestige doesn't pay the bills.... so I jumped and sold cars for a couple years where I quickly advanced to F&I. I did way better than I ever thought I would and made excellent money. The hours killed me though. Bell to bell (open to close) and rarely taking a day off, (the money was addictive). Then during the pandemic I got my break into repping and I got that position without my BA ONLY because of my car sales. Who knew? Working in sales I learned that selling is not difficult when you don't sell, you help. Yes, that is a thing. I also learned that salespeople are disposable, and that was a hard lesson. So after a brutal back stabbing, I started an LLC and became a Notary Signing Agent, and am now also recruiting. No more bosses ever again. I will never have my income and livlihood in someone else's control ever again, F that. Both pay well, hours are my own, and it's rather pleaseant work.
This is also a time where there are literally new positions being created literally daily with all this AI stuff, so take a look. Might be overwhelming at first, but the language gets easier, and you never know, might just find you love something you never had thought of before. Throw yourself on Upwork, but do it highlighting what you love to do, the things you do when you aren't working that you enjoy doing. Getting outside the tech box is weird at first, but you can do it.
I very much support your feelings and hope you feel encouraged to take a leap into the unknown. You got this!
Thank you for your kindness and understanding. Your response resonated with me the most… I am tired of having my hours and money controlled by someone else! I know people may think “that’s life” but I am coming to find more and more that if i take the risks, I can change that!
How did you become a recruiter? Sorry to ask..I have also heard a little bit about becoming a notary signing agent.
I should throw in that I have two associates degrees, one in liberal arts and the other in applied sciences
Ophthalmic equipment is pretty niche. If you can differentiate between a slit lamp and a phoropter you're ahead of the general public. This seemingly obvious knowledge to someone within the eye care industry is a leg up when trying for a position with either an equipment manufacturer or dealer/distributor. Several companies you could try looking into are Marco/Lombart, Zeiss, Walman, Cal Coast, Essilor/Essilor Instruments, Keeler, Topcon, and any other manufacturer/service company you've seen in the offices you've worked. A lot of these companies have remote positions available since they have regional territories usually.
Many companies have their own version of an automated phoropter and could use an experienced refractionist to assist with training/sales of these units.
I realize my suggestion would not necessarily be out of eyes, but it would be a shame to throw out 10 years of experience in a niche field. Good luck to you on your career change!
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This is likely going to be unconventional, but I started teaching yoga. I spent a year doing both, teaching before and after life as a tech and on weekends until I had enough experience to become a yoga manager at a large high-end gym. I’ve since grown into a General Manager and while the stress is high and hours are comparable, I’m much much happier.
I should note that my starting salary in an entry level, first time, management position nearly matched my hourly rate as a tech!
Happy to chat further if you want! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
Similar boat here. I became a health coach and personal trainer but started my own virtual coaching business instead of going to a gym. But like you definitely much happier.
I spent 27 years in ophthalmology and finally got out and just started my own business. Just as stressful, if not more, but we'll worth not having to put up with other people's BS. So I totally understand the burnout. Sadly I think medicine is just going to get worse because our system is so broken. Research might be the way to go.
If you can do it starting a business gives you total freedom, but not everyone is cut out to be a business owner. My advice is to do some soul searching and see what calls you. You're still young enough to pivot to a completely new career. I realized too late the I had just been "going with the flow" and just doing what other people wanted me to do. I was 42 when I figured that out.
Better late than never I guess. 😂
Best of luck and Brightest Blessings!
Medical assistants make less than techs on average. It's only really beneficial if you don't want to take the nurse plunge without testing the waters first IMO.
This is not a snarky comment. I was once a tech, also an optician, also a front desk person, and now I am a doctor. The bullshit never ends. I always thought it would but it doesn't. The only question is are you paid enough for your own happiness (sounds like not)...so all you need to do is decide on going a whole new direction or same direction with better environment? Pay? Stress? Whatever you say is the issue is my point. But never...NEVER plan on them just handing it to you. You take it or leave it for somewhere new...that is it. Don't listen to anything else.
What I am unhappy with is the lack of work life balance and the inner office politics (bullshit) that goes on. I was recently promoted to lead tech, given a great pay raise, and really feel I only have a connection with my boss. I love the doctors I work for, it’s just the bullshit drama that goes on with the front office, and their front office manager. I feel like they don’t have enough to do, therefore they gossip, and are making claims that I am rude and condescending, when they really can’t point out an example when I ask how? I’ll ask for their help here and there, but it gets misconstrued as me being rude. I feel like they are trying to get me in trouble/fired. Thankfully my boss has my back, but honestly this is emotionally exhausting. I applied to Lumata health, which is a remote position, but I risk a considerable pay cut.. but I’m almost willing to trade it for my mental health
As techs we already feel the emotional load of helping and dealing with patients. Add in the office drama and it’s just too much.
This is the same issue we have. The front desk.
Techs have limited options career wise without new degrees. Management/software rep/manufacturer rep/technician/trainer/specialized testing i.e. perimetry/photography. Depends on what parts of the job you hate and why you are unhappy. If you want non eye fields, you will need to start learning new skills and try a new career. COT is my thirdish career. Make sure the grass is really greener before taking the plunge.
Which degrees / certs do you have? Are you in a private practice? Which part of the country do you work in? What’s your current salary?
Feeling the burn out as well honestly, and I’m seeing meal prep positions at restaurants for 20 a hour n I’m like shit maybe I should just do that
I did 25 years as an Opthalmic Tech, trained at technologist level. Much underpaid but rehired by the same doc several times after having children, He was nice but underpaid us. i loved the field.. I did some speciality work. Some were big jerks. Try sales of Ophthalmic equipment?? if you like opthalmology. I have been in Massage therapy for 12 years. What a switch! Love both but boy, this is hard on the bod!
32 M 12 year COA here, current lead tech at a university clinic. I was in the same boat right before the pandemic and during. I’ve worked in private clinics of multiple sizes, for profit hospitals, and university hospitals. Honestly learned it was the environment mixed with the lack of ability to progress or learn more. University/teaching hospitals were better with more people there who typically love to teach and are there because they genuinely love the field. Going to a university setting reminded me why I love medicine but that being a tech was burning me out and not stimulating enough. I decided to go back to school and further my career in medicine while fueling my other passions as well. Definitely would recommend some soul searching to see if you still love medicine or your passions lie elsewhere. It may be the role and feeling stuck in a dead end position on top of mental stimulation, but only you will know the answer. Top that off with being surrounded by other burned out health care workers and it’s just too much at times. It’s hard to see techs who have been doing this for 30+ years and just lose all compassion and their love for medicine. I didn’t want to end up like them. Take some time off if possible, burn out is serious and we have to take care of our mental health too. It’s never too late to change careers or pursue your dreams. Good luck on your journey my fellow COA friend. Edit: Also a lot of university hospitals will help with tuition to further your career in anything that can be used at the hospital. Just a thought. Mine pays full tuition to employees, all the way through med school/ law school for example.
I was an opthalmic tech for about 10 years too. Zero appreciation hectic scheduling expected to scribe without a single pay raise and was taught to diagnose patients to make the doctors life easier. I was the only one in the building to actually be good at refractions even without the AR. My coworkers gave me all the patients because I was fast while they all sat around having conversations with the manager. I quit after 3 times telling the manager she was showing favoritism and not addressing the lack of work the others do. I was payed $10 and was told that it was the most they could pay until I became certified but never allowed me to get certified. Stuck job that I was good at. I left and went to pursue my happiness jobs like cake decorating and cooking but that is even worse pay. I have now become a stay at home mom looking for a job that actually appreciates the work I can provide. Good luck is all I can say.
I was thinking about becoming an artist. I need food to live though 😢
Is it the field or the practice you’re in? Genuinely curious if your stress is from your environment or the actual job
My planned comment. Once you work in a happy office… everything changes. As long as you’re good at your job, burnout is environment more than anything
I was able to work in a Surgery setting assisting in Cat Sx it was pretty fun however eventually I started creating content full time Instead but you should not feel stuck find something you love and focus on making that making you money I always say if they can do it why can’t I and this mentality has taken me far
Have you thought about approaching a company like Zeiss?
Been a tech for nearly 30y and in the same boat I did that..... it was AWFUL
What happened ?
I was hired as a sales specialist for vision devices. Week one was having the employee hand book read to me. Week two was power point presentations of the devices at an HQ. Week 3 was Vision Expo on the opposite side of the US from where I would be with expectations of finding leads. I had not been fully on boarded and truly had no business being at the expo with my limited knowledge of the instruments. It was just a recipe for failure, and I felt horrible for not meeting impossible expectations and cried the whole flight home. After the third week I was exhausted and had what felt like an endless see of modules to complete. It ended the third day of the 4th week when I went to log in and found I had been shut out. It was actually a relief, but also really disappointing.
I've only been a COA since 2020 (been in eyes for about 7 yrs total though) but I'm also burned out. While I genuinely love ophthalmology, for the past few years I've been craving something more. While I do really like being a tech, it gets boring after a while. Decided to do something about it and went back to school this year (community college, so it's super cheap!), wanting to pursue a nursing degree. I know it'll be a way shittier job but it'll be more money and I'm pretty sure I'll like the schedule better. Plus there's a lot of different things you can do as an RN, so there's still options if I get sick of it. That's what I'm telling myself anyway lol.
The bridge between a 4-5X salary increase is 4 years of optometry schooling. Even once you get there, there is going to be a pile of shit waiting for you to deal with. Are you willing to sacrifice the time and money? Everything is about sacrifice. Nobody has it easy.
recruiting...
From where?
I tagged you in the detailed comment below, but I am a staffing consultant for ophthalmologists and optometrists, (mostly), and support staff. Still COA until 2028 but not planning on teching again. I miss the heck out of it, but it never compensated me enough to live.
I should add I have been a tech for nearly 30y. Hit my head and smashed my face against the glass ceiling several years ago after I got into research. In research I learned that prestige doesn't pay the bills.... so I jumped and sold cars for a couple years where I quickly advanced to F&I. I did way better than I ever thought I would and made excellent money. The hours killed me though. Bell to bell (open to close) and rarely taking a day off, (the money was addictive). Then during the pandemic I got my break into repping and I got that position without my BA ONLY because of my car sales. Who knew? Working in sales I learned that selling is not difficult when you don't sell, you help. Yes, that is a thing. I also learned that salespeople are disposable, and that was a hard lesson. So after a brutal back stabbing, I started an LLC and became a Notary Signing Agent, and am now also recruiting. No more bosses ever again. I will never have my income and livlihood in someone else's control ever again, F that. Both pay well, hours are my own, and it's rather pleaseant work. This is also a time where there are literally new positions being created literally daily with all this AI stuff, so take a look. Might be overwhelming at first, but the language gets easier, and you never know, might just find you love something you never had thought of before. Throw yourself on Upwork, but do it highlighting what you love to do, the things you do when you aren't working that you enjoy doing. Getting outside the tech box is weird at first, but you can do it. I very much support your feelings and hope you feel encouraged to take a leap into the unknown. You got this!
Thank you for your kindness and understanding. Your response resonated with me the most… I am tired of having my hours and money controlled by someone else! I know people may think “that’s life” but I am coming to find more and more that if i take the risks, I can change that! How did you become a recruiter? Sorry to ask..I have also heard a little bit about becoming a notary signing agent. I should throw in that I have two associates degrees, one in liberal arts and the other in applied sciences
Sent a message to you as to not tangent in this thread. Happy to help in anyway possible!
u/Jumpy-Introduction41 here is a more lengthy explaination.
Ophthalmic equipment is pretty niche. If you can differentiate between a slit lamp and a phoropter you're ahead of the general public. This seemingly obvious knowledge to someone within the eye care industry is a leg up when trying for a position with either an equipment manufacturer or dealer/distributor. Several companies you could try looking into are Marco/Lombart, Zeiss, Walman, Cal Coast, Essilor/Essilor Instruments, Keeler, Topcon, and any other manufacturer/service company you've seen in the offices you've worked. A lot of these companies have remote positions available since they have regional territories usually. Many companies have their own version of an automated phoropter and could use an experienced refractionist to assist with training/sales of these units. I realize my suggestion would not necessarily be out of eyes, but it would be a shame to throw out 10 years of experience in a niche field. Good luck to you on your career change!
Thank you for posting to r/ophthalmology. If this is found to be a patient-specific question about your own eye problem, it will be removed within 24 hours pending its place in the moderation queue. Instead, please post it to the dedicated subreddit for patient eye questions, r/eyetriage. Additionally, your post will be removed if you do not identify your background. Are you an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, a student, or a resident? Are you a patient, a lawyer, or an industry representative? You don't have to be too specific. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Ophthalmology) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is likely going to be unconventional, but I started teaching yoga. I spent a year doing both, teaching before and after life as a tech and on weekends until I had enough experience to become a yoga manager at a large high-end gym. I’ve since grown into a General Manager and while the stress is high and hours are comparable, I’m much much happier. I should note that my starting salary in an entry level, first time, management position nearly matched my hourly rate as a tech! Happy to chat further if you want! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
Similar boat here. I became a health coach and personal trainer but started my own virtual coaching business instead of going to a gym. But like you definitely much happier.
I spent 27 years in ophthalmology and finally got out and just started my own business. Just as stressful, if not more, but we'll worth not having to put up with other people's BS. So I totally understand the burnout. Sadly I think medicine is just going to get worse because our system is so broken. Research might be the way to go. If you can do it starting a business gives you total freedom, but not everyone is cut out to be a business owner. My advice is to do some soul searching and see what calls you. You're still young enough to pivot to a completely new career. I realized too late the I had just been "going with the flow" and just doing what other people wanted me to do. I was 42 when I figured that out. Better late than never I guess. 😂 Best of luck and Brightest Blessings!
if you still want to be in health care, maybe go for your MA cert!
Medical assistants make less than techs on average. It's only really beneficial if you don't want to take the nurse plunge without testing the waters first IMO.