Exploring Optometry as a profession

[Optometry 101]

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I have researched this field for a few weeks and the study of the eyes seems intriguing. I want to learn more and am thinking of volunteering with an Optometrist to learn some practical skills.

However, I have no experience with science classes since I majored in a social science in 2008 and am wondering if an Optometrist would hire me as a volunteer. I mean, after all, I am a volunteer so he would only be gaining something by having me and so would I.

Further, while in college I took Calculus I and Calculus III so I know this two courses count toward my prerequisites for Optometry school. I will take some courses such as Chemistry, Biology, and Psych during the summer to get things started. Since I don't have any experience studying the sciences at the college level, should I ease into my summer session and only take one course as opposed to three? I know the process of finishing all of my prerequisites will probably take a year before I can take the OAT and apply to Optometry school.

Any advice, suggestions, and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[KHE]

I have researched this field for a few weeks and the study of the eyes seems intriguing. I want to learn more and am thinking of volunteering with an Optometrist to learn some practical skills.

However, I have no experience with science classes since I majored in a social science in 2008 and am wondering if an Optometrist would hire me as a volunteer. I mean, after all, I am a volunteer so he would only be gaining something by having me and so would I.

That's not entirely true. To train someone takes time, money, and is a hassle. So it's not quite like "he would only be gaining" because he may very well not be if your intention is not to stay very long.

You have to sort of decide what you want out of this. If your goal is to just hang around the office and with the optometrist so that you can learn about and ask questions about the field, that's fine and most optometrists will be open to that type of thing but that type of situation usually doesn't require more than a few visits and "training" you to actually do anything is not needed.

If you actually want some sort of "job" on a more ongoing basis, then I would apply for a job and say that you are interested in optometry and would like to work as an assistant, or a receptionist or whatever.

 

[Rinny]

I agree with KHE about the volunteering. My advice would be to start by shadowing to see if you even like the field. It may sound great when you read about it but when you shadow you may feel differently. If after you shadow an optometrist or two and decide that you like the field, then try to find a job as an optometric technician (or ophthalmic technician). I was trained as an ophthalmic tech and my training consisted of me following around another tech for a few days. The majority of tech duties are able to be picked up quickly (within a few days), however it definitely took a month for me to learn how to do everything (troubleshooting machines, etc). So, if you want to actually work in an office then you should commit to working there for at least the duration of a school year. This does not mean that you have to work full time. I worked part time (less than 20 hours per week) while in school.

As far as summer classes go, I would recommend taking at least 2. You will have a lot of prerequisites to complete so I'd try to fit in as many as you can! Try to take General Chem 1 and a Bio course to start with. You will have to take Chem 2 and Organic chem as well so you definitely want to get started right away with Chem 1. Hope this helps!

 

[Arctic]

I fully agree with the above posters.

I will add that I doubt you will be able to complete your pre-requisite courses "in a year". You have no prior college-level experience in science, so you'd have to take general biology, general chemistry, and physics as the 'basic' courses along with other 'basic' pre-requisites (such as psych that you mentioned). There's so much more after that, though. Each optometry school has it's own specific requirements for admission, so you should not need all of these classes, but I took the following additional science classes in undergrad: Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Human Physiology, Anatomy, Evolution (useless class for me), and immunology (not necessary, but helpful). I can say that material from all of those classes can be covered on the OAT, although I wouldn't expect anything too complex from biochemistry or immunology.

My point is, just academically speaking, it will be a heavy commitment.

Edit: Also, don't forget about labs.

 

[Optometry 101]

Thanks for the insightful responses. Since I assume most of you are set on going to Optometry school, what were some of the things that stood out to you about the profession on a practical level that made you decide to pursue this career? What I mean by practical is something that stood out to you when you observed Optometrist working whether it was the nature of the work, etc.

I'm a complete beginner here so anything you can tell me will be appreciated.

Also, with regard to applying to Optometry school, I noticed that certain schools list classes such as Anatomy and Physiology as recommended as opposed to required...with that said, I should just stick to what is required because I have so many prerequisites and that alone will keep me busy. Anyone agree?

Also, considering that I was a person that was set on going to law school - my entire resume is filled with legal experience, legal classes, etc. I know that I will need to add some work experience in the Optometry field to demonstrate my interest.

 

[evan98gt]

I took my prereq courses at night and all told it was a 3 years process. Most if not all of the science courses have a lab so it is actually two classes not one. Worked full time during the day and seldom got home before 10:30 pm at nite and had to find time for studying. Even went back to complete an organic lab as most schools do not give credit for a science lecture if the lab is also not completed. It took 70 QUARTER hours to complete my prereq's. Had a BS degree which helped a bit.

A problem I found with summer classes it will throw a multi course topic out of sequence. Did take a microbiology course one summer. I was one of 3 guys and the rest were female nursing students! Micro was the most fun I ever had in college!

Recommend you try to spend time with an OD to make sure this is a good fit.

 

[raidersfan]

optometry is a field very focused on interactions between people. it requires a personality where you can really communicate and just talk with a WIDE variety of differnt types of people. that being said, i looked at alot of other fields including PT, pharmacy, and dentistry, and opto stuck with for a large part because the eye is such an interesting organ but also because you really do get to build relationships and get to know your patients. i wish you the best of luck and if you really want it, do whatever you need to get there! rather than asking for an intern or volunteer position, you may want to just try to shadow an optometrist. this way it wont require too much training and you will be able to see some of the inner workings of what it takes to be an optometrist. most optos that take on shadowing students are more than willing to talk about the profession and about specific things about patients. in my case after my observation was done, i was offered a position. some optos dont like people shadowing so dont be discouraged if one tells you no!

 

[Optometry 101]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I've visited a few helpful websites and have read a few articles detailing the profession. Do any of you have or know of a few must read articles or websites that I should acquaint myself with especially since I am very knew to learning about the field?