volunteering for a DO

[Optoed]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi guys,

oops..I meant OD..but I can't change it now =S

I was wondering how much exposure to optometry is an applicant expected to have? - in the combination of shadowing, volunteering, working etc. Obviously the more the merrier...but time is not always so generous.
I was under the impression that most people used work/shadowing experiences to get an OD LOR. I've volunteered at hospitals before, but volunteering at an Optometrists' clinic is new to me. Anyone care to shed a little light on how they approached doctors about volunteering, what are the jobs they get to do? how long they volunteered before asking for a letter? thanks!!

I'm having a pretty hard time finding a job at an OD office, as they prefer candidates who can stay there permanently. I was just told today from a receptionist job - "oh - we don't hire university students, they don't stay". Right...so I should have just put high school on my resume. =S
I've spammed all the optometry offices within a 15 mile radius from where I live..and no one is hiring. help?

 

[thecgrblue]

"Hey my name is -------------, I'm a student at ---------- University and am considering a career in optometry. Does Dr. --------- allow students to observe him in the office? When would the best to be to come in?"

after your first observation

"Dr. ------------, thanks for your time, I'd really appreciate if you'd allow me to come back again. When would be a convenient time for you?"

after you've shadowed multiple times

"Would you be willing to write a LOR for me?"

-------------------------

Can't make it much simpler than that. Call the offices and ask to observe...you don't need a job and they don't want to hire you. However, EVERY OD knows that students need to shadow and I am yet to find one (except the Walmart doc) that wasn't willing to let me follow him around. You will probably not get to do any procedures or anything...you are a LIABILITY! I pushed the button on the Optomap once or twice...that was about it.

I shadowed for 50 hours total...that is all I needed.

Remember...you really aren't volunteering and they have no need for you to volunteer b/c you really don't know anything. If you want to volunteer find a local group like Unite for Sight that does vision screenings (big snooze fest...sorry, but its true) and they'll train you to shoot air in someones eyes and that is about it.

 

[319671]

"Hey my name is -------------, I'm a student at ---------- University and am considering a career in optometry. Does Dr. --------- allow students to observe him in the office? When would the best to be to come in?"

after your first observation

"Dr. ------------, thanks for your time, I'd really appreciate if you'd allow me to come back again. When would be a convenient time for you?"

after you've shadowed multiple times

"Would you be willing to write a LOR for me?"

-------------------------

Can't make it much simpler than that. Call the offices and ask to observe...you don't need a job and they don't want to hire you. However, EVERY OD knows that students need to shadow and I am yet to find one (except the Walmart doc) that wasn't willing to let me follow him around. You will probably not get to do any procedures or anything...you are a LIABILITY! I pushed the button on the Optomap once or twice...that was about it.

I shadowed for 50 hours total...that is all I needed.

Remember...you really aren't volunteering and they have no need for you to volunteer b/c you really don't know anything. If you want to volunteer find a local group like Unite for Sight that does vision screenings (big snooze fest...sorry, but its true) and they'll train you to shoot air in someones eyes and that is about it.

isnt ufs global not local?

 

[thecgrblue]

isnt ufs global not local?

They have organizations all over. If they don't have one at your school...start one. Doesn't get better than that.

 

[withinvision]

where are you looking to volunteer? i might know of an opening

 

[Optoed]

Thanks everyone! UFS is a great idea. I don't know if you can get an OD letter from it though..

 

[agnaam]

where are you looking to volunteer? i might know of an opening

Hi withinvision, I am looking for an opportunity to volunteer with an OD or related area. I am from IL, am I any close to the place that you were talking about? Thanks...

 

[agnaam]

Oh ok. Some things limit me to my area.Thanks for the reply though.

 

[SokClari]

I had a lot of trouble finding an OD to let me shadow, and it was very disheartening at first. Finally, I contacted a nearby College of Optometry asking if they had any alumni in the area that might be willing. I was quickly in contact with one, and from there several doors opened. Don't get discouraged, and good luck!

 

[Raysm]

Withinvision: I live in MD and am interested in shadowing a OD. Could you help me out?

 

[Jason K]

If you're contacting private practice ODs, you might not have much luck. The market is very saturated with optometrists across most of the US and the last thing most private practice optometrists want to do is bring another one into their town. Sorry, but it's true. You might have better luck going after hospitals or community health clinics. VA hospitals are actually required to allow people to observe if they request since they are taxpayer funded, although you will have to go through a volunteer hiring process. VAs are good places to observe, though. Just my thoughts.

Dr K