does experience help??

[jbake05]

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I was wondering if experience made a difference in the application at all? I've been working as an ophthalmic assistant for 6 months...?
thanks - jaime

 

[cpw]

it sure does... it shows you know what you're getting yourself in to.. and committment.

 

[beachbum82]

I've been working as an optometric technician for the last three years and the doctors i work for both say that this will look great on my app...i guess we'll find out in a couple of months >fingers crossed<

 

[carol_J]

ok Im a freshman undergrad and was wondering were to start of to gain experience. How did you guys get those positions as technicians/assistants? I was thinking of calling an scheduling an interview or something like that. Anyone else who knows how to start of?? Any advice would help!!

 

[cpw]

ok Im a freshman undergrad and was wondering were to start of to gain experience. How did you guys get those positions as technicians/assistants? I was thinking of calling an scheduling an interview or something like that. Anyone else who knows how to start of?? Any advice would help!!

I would call around to offices in your area. in my experience you'll have better luck with private practice docs than commerical chains. Ask to speak to the doc (making sure to tell the front desk you're pre-OD). The front desk is the gate keeper. In most offices it's "no one goes through" since everyone is calling the doc to sell him/her something. So,make sure to say why you're calling.

I know in our area, if we don't have an opening, I make some calls to see if others do.

 

[beachbum82]

i was lucky because i just answered an ad for my current job and after interviewing with both of the doctors, i got the job...i started off doing typical office work and managing patient flow...started learning on the job how to do visual fields, contact lens teaches, frame selects and dispenses, insurance, etc, and from there, my role expanded...i have to say that working there is the best thing that could have happened to me because i have learned so much about the optometry profession from it...hope this helps!

 

[ODhopeful]

I believe having experience is perhaps one of the main things that optometry schools look for in an applicant. Just shows that you actually know what you will be doing in the future. It also helps when they ask you questions about the practice setting.