Optometry has been stepping up to meet the demands of modern healthcare for decades. In this week’s Power Hour episode, host Eugene Shatsman and Dr. Nate Lighthizer, Dean of NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry, dive into how the profession is continuing to evolve and push boundaries.
With optometry continuing to advance into roles traditionally reserved for OMDs, schools are working hard to attract top-tier students who can take on these new responsibilities. They explore why an increasing number of students are choosing optometry as a career, highlighting factors such as the appealing work-life balance, the opportunity to help others, and the flexibility to work part-time or own a practice.
Dr. Lighthizer shares why he believes entrepreneurship still has a future in optometry, especially in regions with less competition. He also provides insights into how practices can appeal to new graduates, highlighting advanced technology and an expanded scope of practice as key attractions that can set a practice apart.
New and improved treatments continue to change the game in eye care. Less invasive options for conditions like glaucoma and eyelid procedures are discussed. These advancements are now becoming part of everyday optometry practice.
Dr. Lighthizer shares how optometrists are pushing to expand their roles. He shares firsthand experience testifying before lawmakers, where optometry and ophthalmology sometimes clash over expanding the scope of what ODs can do. Dr. Lighthizer’s advocacy work is crucial for bringing these advanced procedures to more states, helping optometrists meet the growing demand for care, especially in underserved areas.
Don’t miss this fascinating episode! Whether you’re interested in expanding your scope of services or understanding the mindset of today’s optometry students, this episode is packed with valuable gems to answer your questions.
Key Takeaways
- The Optometry Talent Crisis: Understand the challenges optometry schools face in recruiting top talent and how this impacts the profession.
- Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurship: Discover why more students are choosing optometry for its perfect blend of healthcare and business ownership.
- Laser Technology Advances: Learn about groundbreaking procedures like SLT and laser floater removal and why they are pivotal for modern optometric practices.
- The Advocacy for Expanded Scope: Hear about behind-the-scenes efforts to expand optometrists’ scope of practice, including advanced laser and surgical procedures.
In this episode:
00:02 Meet Dr. Nate Lighthizer
03:00 The shortage of optometry students and the struggle for schools to recruit top talent
07:22 Why students are choosing careers in optometry for flexibility and independence
12:21 Laser technology and its integration into everyday practice
14:47 Pushing for expanded scope of practice in optometry
27:23 Automated direct trans-scleral SLT and how it’s poised to change glaucoma treatment
39:13 Bridging the gap between observation and invasive surgery for patients with laser floaters
Contact Information
Connect with Dr. Nate Lighthizer:
Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO, hails from Bismarck, ND, and is a proud graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry. After earning his degree, he completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry with a focus on Ocular Disease at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry, where he later joined the faculty. Currently, Dr. Lighthizer serves as Chief of Specialty Care Clinics and Chief of the Electrodiagnostics Clinic. In 2014, he founded and now leads the Dry Eye Clinic at the College of Optometry, while also taking on the role of Director of Continuing Education and Assistant Dean for Clinical Care Services.
A thought leader in the field, Dr. Lighthizer is Vice President of the Intrepid Eye Society, a group of emerging optometry innovators. He has also been recognized as one of the top 250 optometrists in the country by PCON 250 for his progressive approach to patient care, research, and academic contributions. Nationally renowned, Dr. Lighthizer is a frequent speaker on advanced ophthalmic procedures, electrodiagnostics, and ocular disease.
Website: https://nsuok.edu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lighthizer-8277a6160/
Connect with Eugene Shatsman:
Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman