Shadowing or working. Which route to take?

[mupreopt]

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Few questions about shadowing.

1.) When I call an optometrist, which option is best?

option 1: ask to shadow
option 2: ask if they need part-time help/hiring?

In both cases, I'll say that I am going into the optometry field

2.) Answer both parts separately.

Part 1: I am currently needing an eye exam and looking for a new optometrist rather than driving 20 to 30 miles to the mall to see my last optometrist. Would it be better for me to be a patient first and then ask to shadow? What I am saying is, would I have a better chance of the optometrist saying that I can shadow him?

Part 2: If the optometrist isn't busy, meaning that no one is in the waiting area, would it be appropriate to ask the optometrist while I am getting my eyes examined whether I could shadow?

 

[quad32]

wow 5 questions in a row!
maybe you should be a professional blogger.

 

[pienfoo]

haha yeah, im not going follow your answering instructions.

IMO. Paid Work or Internship is the best way to go. 1. you get paid 2. experience of what it's like working in that setting 3. letter of recommendation. 4. good proof of dedication to adcoms.

Good opportunities don't come up too often, but they do exist! do your research before committing yourself to a internship/work so you don't end up wasting your time.

I would recommend that you work or intern in several different settings. ie. group practice, private practice, old/ new practice, vision therapy.

g'luck!