Wanting to learn Optometry Info

[TheYoungster]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello SDN! I’m a freshman in high school and I’ve been thinking of pursuing a career in optometry. I know I may be a bit young of thinking of life time career choices, but I am passionate and confident to make a career in optometry. I’ve been scouring the internet reading and learning about “the ways” of optometry schools and the career itself. I’ve had a few questions and as well as in need of some tips. Here’s a long thread of questions that I have.

What major should I take in undergrad?
Should I aim for a masters degree or bachelor?
What optometry schools are the best for my area? (Chicago)
Should I take the OAT during undergrad education? or as a buffer between undergrad and optometry school?
(Slightly stupid question) When shadowing a licensed optometrist, would I do it during high school or college?

These are the questions that I could come up with right now, but if anyone has more tips or anything that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

(Edit: I haven’t completely chosen what undergrad college to go to, but I was thinking of staying around the Midwest area)

 

[Flam taps]

Hello SDN! I’m a freshman in high school and I’ve been thinking of pursuing a career in optometry. I know I may be a bit young of thinking of life time career choices, but I am passionate and confident to make a career in optometry. I’ve been scouring the internet reading and learning about “the ways” of optometry schools and the career itself. I’ve had a few questions and as well as in need of some tips. Here’s a long thread of questions that I have.

What major should I take in undergrad?
Should I aim for a masters degree or bachelor?
What optometry schools are the best for my area? (Chicago)
Should I take the OAT during undergrad education? or as a buffer between undergrad and optometry school?
(Slightly stupid question) When shadowing a licensed optometrist, would I do it during high school or college?

These are the questions that I could come up with right now, but if anyone has more tips or anything that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

(Edit: I haven’t completely chosen what undergrad college to go to, but I was thinking of staying around the Midwest area)

1- your major should be science related it makes completing the major and the pre reqs much more easier since they cross over. Pick a pre health science that you enjoy (biochem, chem, bio...)

2-aim for a bachelors most schools require it. Regarding masters some opto schools offer dual degrees for different master programs (MS, MPH....)

3- for choosing future schools there are several factors to account for depending on your own circumstances... finances, the program itself, the community, competitiveness and so on.

4-I’m not sure what you mean by buffer, but it again depends on your abilities. Some can prepare for the OAT while balancing undergrad and matriculate the following year of graduation. Some wait and take a gap year to study.

5-for shadowing do it whenever you would like. Shadowing is a chance for you to find out if the profession will be the right fit for you, so with that I reccomend shadowing several practices (private, multiphysician, specialty clinics, comanagement). Also shadow other prehealth professions just so you know what’s really out there.

Lastly if I had to give any advice it would be to continue in humility remembering there is always new things to learn and discover, if you do pursue the health care profession remember it’s about serving the patient!