Shadowing/volunteering vs research experience

[JMCS]

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Hey!

I recently decided I wanted to attend optometry school. Does anyone know whether shadowing an optometrist or having research experience is more important for an application?

Thanks so much! 🙂

 

[Jason K]

Hey!

I recently decided I wanted to attend optometry school. Does anyone know whether shadowing an optometrist or having research experience is more important for an application?

Thanks so much! 🙂

Don't focus on which one is more impressive to a program. Focus on which is more important for you, professionally. Research will not likely give you insight into what you will be doing as an OD once you graduate unless a career in research is your primary goal. In that case, an OD might not even be the best path for you. You should talk to practicing ODs and watch some of them go about their daily routine. Just make sure you talk to a wide range of ODs, not just a few in one particular setting. Also, be sure to talk to older established ODs and some new ones as well. Get as much information as you can before you start school so you'll know what to expect. Optometry school is very expensive and it's a long haul so you really want to know what you're getting yourself into before you start.