That professor at UHCO was correct in their assessment. We often get offers from companies like NationalVisionInc (America's Best, Eyeglass World, Vista) out here in the midwest & east coast that are typically $135k average. I'm about to be a 4th year OD student, and $135k is a very realistic offer NOT including retail bonuses (meeting a quota for seeing a certain # of patients a day), student loan repayment programs, etc. They plan on signing on 4th year students in August, which is a whole 9 months before we even graduate.
I have no experience with private practice or mixed practice salaries, but I would imagine a higher payout if you join the right practice in the right areas. If a retail practice where you're an employee nets you $135k a year...owning a practice would net you much more if you know what you're doing.