shadowing?

[kimdo]

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I am thinking of applying for optometry schools
is shadowing mandatory and one of the requirement?
I tried to find out what they want...and seems like everyones doing it?
if it is then how long should i do it?

 

[Heavenly4505]

Shadowing is a requirement for most schools, and even if shadowing itself is not explicitly listed as an entrance requirement, you still have to get a letter of recommendation from an Optometrist. How else will you get that if you don't shadow? Furthermore, how can you be sure that Optometry is what you want to do if you don't shadow? A lot of people THINK a particular career sounds great, but if you don't observe it firsthand, then sometimes you get a jaded idea. Wouldn't you rather shadow now than get in the middle of Optometry school and realize it's not a career for you? I would start calling around and asking if you can come in. Volunteer to work a few hours a week for free. That way you can see what goes on plus get some hands-on experience. Good luck!

 

[mthwong]

In terms of how long you should shadow an optometrist, it varies with different schools. Ohio State asked in the 2008 applicants to shadow at least a total of 10 hours in two different optometric settings. But yeah, almost all schools will ask you to have at least one recommendation from an optometrist, and usually just shadowing won't be enough for that optometrist to give a strong recommendation.

My situation was that I observed in my own optometrist's office the summer before my 4th year in college, for about 40 hours, so I received internship credit at my university. Then, I have decided to take a year off before optometry school, and am currently working at the optometrist's office fulltime. I'm also looking for opportunities to speak to other optometrists in different settings to get an idea of why they are doing what they are doing specifically in the field of optometry.