I'm not an optometry student (crossing my fingers though) but I had a few interviews recently and I know they like experience in the field. Maybe you could try shadowing some more. Like at a low vision clinic or a clinic at an optometry school if you live near one. That would give you something new to talk about in an interview/essay b/c you will have been exposed to a broader scope of optometry than the typical primary care private practice. You could also volunteer at the National Institute for the Blind. In addition to doing good, it would give you a chance to ask questions about their low vision therapy, devices, stats, etc. Hope this helps...
