Taking a year offl

[member5122]

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So I'm taking a year off and am wondering how I can get some job (any job) in the field of optometry! Or ophthalmology! I'd assume if they had an opening I would hear about it or see online but I haven't heard or found anything! Can anyone who's held that job before give me some advice on how to find a job? Should I just be calling a bunch of optometrists randomly for it? Also Are there any places around northern new jersey that anyone would know of where I could intern even maybe? anything eye related would be great! Even if it's all volunteer work.

 

[2020eyes]

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[cawilli]

I'm an optometric tech...I pretest patients and have learned a ton about the business from just being around it all day, and more importantly have realized I do indeed want to work in this field.

I basically got a pad of paper, went online, and wrote down the numbers/emails/etc for about 20-25 of the local clinics and just began calling people, letting them know I was a student just trying to get some experience. I asked if I could volunteer/shadow/work, really anything that was available. Most never responded or called me back. I interviewed for a tech job at one place which I didnt get because they wanted someone there long term, but eventualy I got a call and interview in a wonderful private practice and I am there all week now, learning all I can and getting the feel for one on one patient interactions, etc. It has helped me immensely and hope it will help my application immensely as well.

This is the advice I would give. Just call around...the first few I called I felt a bit dumb but by the 4th or 5th I had a routine i'd go through. Depending on the size of your city there should be a number of clinics, and often the job turnaround is high. The pay may not be great, but let them know that isnt your main intention. Good luck!

 

[theblackorchid]

I got my first job in an optometry office through Craigslist. I worked there for about 6 months but there was too much nepotism there - I was the only employee not related to the doctor or dating one of his kids. Watch out for family run offices! There wasn't anything on Craigslist at that point so I just printed off a bunch of resumes and went by offices around town. I got really lucky and was offered a job on the spot assuming my references checked out and I've worked there for a year now. My office wasn't hiring at the time, but a few of the other techs were students and were going back to school and my school schedule was opposite of theirs so it worked out really well. Plus I was already familiar with the practice management system so that really helped. I imagine a lot of offices have students that will be going back to school right about now and might need someone to fill in, so it could be a perfect time to shop your resume around. Good luck!