Beefing up the resume

[NYOD]

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First I'd like to start off by saying I've been reading these forums for more than a month now, and would like to give thanks to all the frequent posters that visit this and take time to answer everyone's questions.

Now on to my question:

I understand that having previous experience in optometry is extremely important to your application, however I'm not familiar with what positions I can hold to get this experience. For example, pharmacy hopefuls can get great experience being pharmacy technicians.

What position can I, as a pre-optometry student apply to in order to get some experience? Also, I understand that shadowing an optometrist is also a great way to help your application and get a great feel for the occupation, and I was wondering how I would go about shadowing one.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

[eheaps]

I worked as a salesman at Lenscrafters and also as an optometric technician, in addition to shadowing a few optometrists.

 

[mrfunnyman]

For shadowing, you can start off by asking your own optometrist.

There are also a lot of optometrists who are willing to take in pre-opt students to volunteer/work in their office. This includes mostly secretary work, but you can also work as an technician as the poster above said.

 

[zyg0te]

For shadowing, you can start off by asking your own optometrist.

There are also a lot of optometrists who are willing to take in pre-opt students to volunteer/work in their office. This includes mostly secretary work, but you can also work as an technician as the poster above said.

It has been my experience that there are a lot that wouldn't as well.

From my approach, which has been to drop off a CV + cover letter to the OD's office, I have about 1/4 chance of even hearing back. I don't want to be so rude as to interrupt their schedule and flow.

It can get really discouraging. I was lucky and found the best practice I could have hoped for. It is a multi-doctor practice and through the various ODs, I could network to shadow their cohorts working in different parts of the field.

 

[zyg0te]

What position can I, as a pre-optometry student apply to in order to get some experience? Also, I understand that shadowing an optometrist is also a great way to help your application and get a great feel for the occupation, and I was wondering how I would go about shadowing one.

If you have a current Optometrist, start by calling them and asking if you can shadow.
If not, let the people around you know your interest. Maybe somebody will know somebody that is an optometrist.
If neither of the 2 above work, Google (map) search optometrists in your area and get in contact with them. Let them know your situation and ask politely if you can shadow.

As far as jobs you can get in the field, opticians, receptionist, optometric assistants, lab tech are all positions that work closely with the OD in the business. For a job, a lot of places really prefer someone with experience.