Volunteering help for optometrists

[quackquack]

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I don't know if I'm just trying to find volunteering/job shadow at a bad time of this year, but I just can't seem to find any. I've called in (I've walked in before and everyone was just too busy to talk to me) to see if i can speak to the optometrist directly, or book an appointment to do so. Then I stated why I'm calling for etc.

Most of them just said they don't do volunteers, or will need to get back to me on this one, or fax in my resume (which i did). But I just feel like I won't get any calls. In fact...I just got a call back saying they don't need anyone.

ANY ADVICE? How did you do it?! I went to my own optometrist who told me they don't need anyone so I'm looking near the waterloo region. Or does anyone know any specific ODs (mississauga/Waterloo in Canada preferably) that are open to volunteers?

I feel like I'm well rounded enough, got good grades, will get a good OAT score... I just feel so lacking in the experience department, which i know i'll NEED, for interview and just for my own confirmation that this is the right carreer.

 

[DaveSch]

I think, rather than looking for volunteer positions, you should start with shadowing. Most optometrists will be willing to let you follow them around for a day or two and watch what they do. Just ask them if it would be possible for you to come in and observe sometime because you are thinking of pursuing optometry. Once you get your foot in the door with some observing and get to know the OD, they might be more likely to allow you to do some volunteering.

I asked 4 different OD's if I could shadow/observe them and they have all allowed me to observe for a number of hours / days. I feel like I got to know a couple of them well enough that I would be comfortable asking them if I could volunteer there, and they would be more likely to say yes than if I had just asked them up front if I they needed any volunteers.

Hope that helps!

 

[quackquack]

I think, rather than looking for volunteer positions, you should start with shadowing. Most optometrists will be willing to let you follow them around for a day or two and watch what they do. Just ask them if it would be possible for you to come in and observe sometime because you are thinking of pursuing optometry. Once you get your foot in the door with some observing and get to know the OD, they might be more likely to allow you to do some volunteering.

I asked 4 different OD's if I could shadow/observe them and they have all allowed me to observe for a number of hours / days. I feel like I got to know a couple of them well enough that I would be comfortable asking them if I could volunteer there, and they would be more likely to say yes than if I had just asked them up front if I they needed any volunteers.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the advice. I just hoped it went as well for me as it did for you. 🙁 May I ask if you asked them in person or over the phone? I wanted to do it in person but everytime I ask, the receptionist will say they're busy the whole day.

But at any rate...i did ask about volunteering...AND job shadowing. They still say no. I feel like I have the worst luck ever. Sigh....

 

[DaveSch]

One of them I asked over the phone. The receptionist didn't want to put me through to the OD. She wanted to take a message. Once I explained to her why I was calling she put me right through.

One I spoke to the manager of the location where the OD works, and he arranged a couple of days to observe the doctor.

The other two I asked in person. I would think that most receptionists would allow you to speak to the doctor if you are willing to wait to speak to them between appointments. Maybe I just had really good luck.

I think it's possible that mentioning volunteering at all might scare them off because they feel that they will have to find things for you to do.... just guessing.

 

[yyk]

First one, I worked with the optometrist, so he allowed me to observe. Second one, I called and he accepted me for job-shadowing. The third one, I walked in (I was working nearby), and asked the receptionist, she gave me the email, and I emailed the optometrist.

It helps to tell them where you are at, in terms of experience and preparing for application, and what sort of questions you're trying to get answers for. I think it's easier to find a job-shadow opportunity with optometrists listed on Google, they tend to be friendlier.

 

[alferec]

Here is something I wrote that gives some advice on how to approach shadowing an optometrist:

http://www.optstudent.com/ugfocus.html#shadowing

Hope this helps!

 

[KHE]

One of them I asked over the phone. The receptionist didn't want to put me through to the OD. She wanted to take a message. Once I explained to her why I was calling she put me right through.

One I spoke to the manager of the location where the OD works, and he arranged a couple of days to observe the doctor.

The other two I asked in person. I would think that most receptionists would allow you to speak to the doctor if you are willing to wait to speak to them between appointments. Maybe I just had really good luck.

I think it's possible that mentioning volunteering at all might scare them off because they feel that they will have to find things for you to do.... just guessing.

Let me make a suggestion....

Most optometrists have an understanding what "shadowing" is but most of our staffs do not. As such, if this is the type of thing that you need to do, I would not phone someone up and just ask to "shadow."

Explain exactly what it is you need to do but try to phrase it in such a way that the staff (and the OD if necessary) understands that by you being there, it's not going to be a burden for them. People don't want to feel like they're going to have to have to spend the day babysitting you while you toddle around after them. Most ODs get that that's not going to be the case but many office staff might think that way and be less open to having you around.