Just like any profession, a solid foundation before beginning optometry school is a must! As an admitted student, it is more than likely you’ve completed all the essential Biology, Math and Chemistry courses that are required. However, it’s also important to be exposed to situations that are not necessarily taught in a classroom. Here are three essential (and fun) experiences to get the ball rolling as soon as you start optometry school:
Optical: Seems obvious, right? While trying to perfect my application, I once asked an Optometry admissions counselor if being an optician would be beneficial for a pre-optometry student like myself. She said “no”, but I did it anyway! There is nothing I appreciate more than three years of experience in an Optical shop. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with lens options, materials and lensometry. Also, having experience in fitting frames to a variety of patients based on needs is a big part of any optometric practice. Having first hand experience with this will not only help you in the classroom, but while you’re on rotations as well.
Private Practice: Three words: SHADOW, SHADOW, SHADOW! This is probably the most emphasized aspect of the application. Make sure you shadow optometrists in every modality. Its just as important to shadow a very well established optometrist with an extensive client base, as it is to shadow someone who is just beginning their first practice. You will learn different things from both, and this information will help you create an ideal vision for yourself in the future.
Working for somebody else: Though this seems very elementary, the discipline you get from having a job is probably one of the most valuable things you can gain no matter what the job description entails. Though it’s a plus to find a job that’s optometry related, experience in any field can only help you as you plan to begin a career that relies heavily on ethics and social interaction. Time management is key in optometry school and sometimes, just a single instance of bad judgment can set you back very fast. Having a responsibility like a job forces even the most disorganized person to set schedules and follow them or face consequences. Optometry school is just one big schedule: stay on track and get rewarded!
Talin Amadian
WesternU College of Optometry
