So I'm currently shadowing an ophthalmologist and was thinking about asking for a letter of recommendation from them. Would this count towards one of the letters of recommendation from an optometrist or does it not count since they have an M.D. and not and O.D.? Also, can I use the hours of shadowing from them as part of my total shadowing hours on my application? How many hours is considered appropriate before asking for a letter of recommendation? I'm shadowing one ophthalmologist for 19 hours and another for 32. If anyone has any experience or insight on this matter, I would really appreciate it!
Getting letters of recommendation
- Thread starter HaengWoon
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while i dont know what optometry schools take would be on an MD letter as opposed to an OD letter (sry I really dont know) I do know that on optomcas there isnt a "total" # of shadowing hours but rather you would put how much on average per week you shadow a certain optometrist and if it was a one time experience you just leave the hours blank. hope this helps a little 😀
also just idk fyi i myself am keeping my own log of total hours that i have done with different optometrists just in case it comes up in an interview and just for my own reference.
also just idk fyi i myself am keeping my own log of total hours that i have done with different optometrists just in case it comes up in an interview and just for my own reference.
well, i think the point of having an OD write a letter is to assure the committee reviewing your app you have a solid idea of what the optometry field will be like. so no, i dont think an ophthalmologist should take place for an OD LOR. not to say you shouldnt get a letter from this MD if they know you well, but that you should get one from an OD too.
zxcutiemdr: i think its good you are keeping a log, especially if you are applying to PUCO. they require a minimum of 30hours, and need OD name, practice, hours observed, and their email and mailing address.
zxcutiemdr: i think its good you are keeping a log, especially if you are applying to PUCO. they require a minimum of 30hours, and need OD name, practice, hours observed, and their email and mailing address.
I actually had this exact same question a while ago, and looked into it. The answer I got from schools was:
"While working with an ophthalmologist will be a great experience, you must job shadow with an optometrist. The Admissions Committee wants to know that applicants know what optometrists do, and that optometry is really for them. Part of the application to the School of Optometry is a confidential assessment form from an optometrist."
So, what I did was continued to work with the ophthalmologist and also got experience shadowing optometrists. I have asked the ophthalmologist for a reference letter and he provided it also - this is going to count towards one of my 'personal references'. Hope this helps!
"While working with an ophthalmologist will be a great experience, you must job shadow with an optometrist. The Admissions Committee wants to know that applicants know what optometrists do, and that optometry is really for them. Part of the application to the School of Optometry is a confidential assessment form from an optometrist."
So, what I did was continued to work with the ophthalmologist and also got experience shadowing optometrists. I have asked the ophthalmologist for a reference letter and he provided it also - this is going to count towards one of my 'personal references'. Hope this helps!
