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A job offer may look appealing on paper, but salary tells only part of the story. Paid time off, health insurance, retirement contributions and professional expenses can all shape the value of a position—and an optometrist’s experience in it. On the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Douglas Akidi and Dr. Jasdeep Singh explore how doctors can assess benefits and negotiate for what matters most to them.
Topics Covered:
Look Closely at Time Off
Early in his career, Dr. Jasdeep Singh recognized that time away from patient care could support his development as a doctor. In his first job, he negotiated three weeks of paid time off and an additional week for continuing education, along with a continuing education allowance.
He encourages doctors to clarify exactly what a time-off policy includes. Are holidays paid separately? Are sick days part of the same bank as vacation days? Can a doctor request unpaid time off with sufficient notice? The answers can make a meaningful difference when comparing offers.
Even a policy described as “unlimited” deserves a closer look. Dr. Singh described one practice where doctors had flexibility to take time off, but a significant portion of their compensation depended on production—meaning time away could reduce their earnings.
Account for Professional and Personal Costs
The expenses of practicing optometry extend beyond the office. License renewal, malpractice insurance, association dues, required uniforms and continuing education can add up. Dr. Singh suggests asking whether an employer covers any of those costs. A former employer also contributed toward language training that helped him communicate with patients.
Health insurance is another major consideration. Both doctors described paying for their own coverage, and Dr. Singh noted that a higher daily rate can help offset that expense. The key is to calculate whether the overall compensation makes sense after those costs are considered.
Consider Long-Term Financial Goals
For Dr. Douglas Akidi, student loan repayment was an especially attractive benefit when evaluating jobs. Dr. Singh agreed that assistance with loan payments can be valuable, particularly when it reduces the balance on which interest accrues. Both noted, however, that some opportunities may require a longer commitment, making it important to consider whether the position is a good long-term fit.
Retirement matching is another benefit Dr. Singh did not fully appreciate when he started practicing. Dr. Akidi added that relocation assistance and the possibility of buying into a practice could be significant, depending on a doctor’s circumstances and goals.
Negotiate With a Clear Purpose
Rather than asking for every possible benefit, Dr. Singh recommended identifying a few priorities and learning what is realistic for the market by speaking with mentors, recruiters and other knowledgeable professionals. He encouraged doctors to explain the reasoning behind their requests and approach the conversation respectfully.
For Dr. Akidi, the central lesson was to know—and communicate—your value. A thoughtful review of the full offer can help optometrists choose a position that supports their financial needs, professional growth and life outside the exam room.
