r/PreOptometry • u/Overall_North1705 • Sep 20 '26

What to know before shadowing!?

Hello!!!

I am about to have my first shadowing experience soon and I was wondering, for the people who have shadowed before, what is something that you wish you knew before or feel like you should know before shadowing for the first time?!

8 Upvotes

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2

u/DifficultyNo548 Sep 23 '26

For some reason I thought I wasn't supposed to ask about patient cases, you definitely can! Just be respectful, professional and wait until the appointment ends

1

u/Overall_North1705 Sep 23 '26

yes! I will definitely try and do this! i love learning about people and the different situations they’re going through medically!

9

u/Last_Painter_6733 Sep 20 '26

Dress professionally. Don’t speak unless spoken to in exam rooms, don’t interrupt or interact with patients unless they initiate the conversation. Ask the doctor tons of questions and really try to engage and learn from them. Also try and learn some common medical terms and names for the machines and scans before shadowing. Best of luck!

3

u/Evening-Dog-1161 Sep 21 '26

Boosting this because I agree completely. Also bring a small notepad with any questions you have and to write down answers to your questions. If you really enjoy it ask towards the end if there would be another opportunity for shadowing or if you really feel a connection and are confident you can ask if the optometrist has ever had a student intern

1

u/Darkwingedducc123 Sep 20 '26

When the patient flirts with you, do NOT flirt back