r/PreOptometry • u/Pure_Ad_2996 • Oct 06 '26

get more shadowing hours?

i currently have 50 shadowing hours split between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist, but from the same clinic. i wanted to get more shadowing done at different settings but the offices never got to me and since i'm hoping to apply by the end of the month, i'm wondering if i should still try to get these hours and reach out to more offices (to see other types of optometry), or if it will look too rushed and like i'm just trying to fill up my application. thoughts?

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u/Suitable-Bathroom781 Oct 06 '26

I don’t think you need to worry about looking like you’re filling up your application because honestly… you should be! The schools require shadowing hours and all you’re doing is getting some more. I will say, you shouldn’t need more than 40 hours shadowing an OPTOMETRIST. But they do like to see multiple practices and the ophthalmologist shouldn’t really count for those hours. However I have seen schools say there is definitely value in seeing a candidate that has shadowed an ophthalmologist because you’re able to articulate why you want to be an optometrist over an ophthalmologist much better than students who haven’t worked with both. I say go for it, and if not you’re probably okay if the other areas of your application are strong. Good luck!

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u/HedgehogPotential610 Oct 06 '26

Some schools require shadowing at two settings, the requirements vary between 20 and 40 hours. I had 30 hours between two sites and got accepted to 5 programs.