opthamology experience counts?

[luvely]

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hello,

I'm trying to get exposure to various optometry practices this summer break and i've only been able to find one so far

there is another place where i know i would be able to secure actual volunteering hours at, and also possibly set up the machine for the doctors to use with patients, but this is an opthomology department

would it be a good thing or would it be disadvantageous if if were to get a good chunk of volunteering done there and also get a letter of recommendaton possible?

is experience with opthamology not credible to get into optometry schools? 😕

thanks 🙂

 

[arahnisarahn]

There is no harm gaining experience at an ophthalmologist office, it can actually help you if it diversifies your experiences. However, from what I am reading, it is your only experience. So, I would recommend you remaining persistent on your search for practicing optometrist. There are so many different styles of practice, and only committing to one side will not have that good of an effect as being subjected to a range of alternative practices.
😉

 

[blysssful]

While ophthalmology experience isn't a bad thing, it is no substitute for optometry experience for optometry school. In an interview you will no doubt be asked "how do you know you want to be an optometrist, not an ophthalmologist?" or "do you know the difference between the two professions?" Be sure you can answer those questions for yourself.

You never know, gaining ophthalmology experience may even make you realize that you would rather do that than optometry. Best to find out these things now.

 

[luvely]

I see what you guys mean, it would be best for me to get more exposure to optometry cuz that is what i would be doing for most of my life heheh

i guess my one question is, if i were to put on my resume that i visited so and so practices, would i need a letter of recommendation perhaps from all these places? because most i feel i will be visiting only once or twice, a bit too soon for me to ask for one 🙁

 

[blysssful]

As a general rule of thumb, never ask for a letter of recommendation from anyone that you aren't POSITIVE will give you a glowing recommendation. It is not necessary to get LORs from more than one optometrist (more doesn't hurt, as long as they are all personal). If someone tells you they're going to use a formatted letter rather than a personalized one, tell them thanks but no thanks.

Make sure it's someone who really knows you--and if you don't have anyone like that, get working on it.

 

[IndianaOD]

Why don't you list what state you are from and maybe someone will help you out?

 

[luvely]

I'm in New york city 🙂

Honestly I am a bit concerned, because I'm not confident i will get an awesome letter of recommendation, I won't be seeing these optometrists for too long a period of time

I guess, just putting it on my resume would be enough at this point?