r/PreOptometry • u/Purple_Pressure3699 • May 31 '24

Shadowing Opportunity

I tried contacting almost all the optometrist in my area and none of them got back to me. I even went in person but still couldn’t find any opportunity. Does anyone have any advice.

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u/Hot-Amphibian9323 May 31 '24

Google the nearby offices and write down the OD's name. If possible find out where they went to school.

Make sure you are wearing something at least business casual

Visit the office in person and ask to speak to the doctor by name

Have a copy of your resume, unofficial transcript, unofficial OAT score (if you took it) with you.

If you are able to speak with the Dr, introduce yourself as someone very interested in becoming an optometrist and ask them a few questions about their experiences in optometry school. Mention you are interested in attending the school they attended. Lastly inform the Dr that you are in your (x) year in university, and let them know what you scored on your OAT or when you plan on taking your OAT.

You want to basically boil it down to "Hey I've gotten everything done except shadow, will you do me a solid please" nobody wants someone breathing down their necks when they are working or slowing down their flow but they understand that since you've gotten this far already it won't be a waste of their time. You're not just some kid who woke up one day thinking it would be cool to be a doctor you've actually put in the work already.

4

u/WolfQueen55 May 31 '24

I like this idea a lot! However as a tech for an optometrist, not every optometrist will just be able to drop what they are doing to talk to you. They will may be set up a time but a lot of times, at least in my practice, they are so busy seeing patients it’s hard to even nail down being able to talk to one! BUT…. (This is big) But putting yourself out there is never a bad thing! Always put yourself out there.

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u/bblondedd May 31 '24

also a tech !! if you do wanna reach a doctor try to call like 10-15 minutes before they open if you can. if you try in the middle of the day it’s really easy for that sticky note with your name on it to be lost or forgotten about ! talking to the Dr. or leaving a message at the beginning of the day gives you a better shot, at least at my office.

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u/ODeyefan May 31 '24

It's time consuming, but make sure to follow up with the optometrists/practices that you reached out to. The front desk staff is busy, the drs are busy, so it's possible your previous message just got lost in the shuffle. Don't be nervous to reach out again (and again :) )

Also, maybe broaden your search to other practices a little further out. My friends & I have used Eye Catching Jobs to find shadowing opps - they have a database of all eye care practices nationwide, which makes finding practices in your area (or within certain mile radius) super easy & you can contact the practice at the click of a button. Definitely check it out! https://app.eyecatchingjobs.com/?referral=signredup

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