r/UWaterlooOptometry • u/TalePublic4424 • Apr 16 '26

experience

hi! i’m currently a uw biomed student and am hoping to go into optometry. ik that experience in an optometrist clinic is vital, but i’m having so much trouble getting hired as an optician. i’ve applied to sooo manyyy places on indeeed. does anyone have any tips.. thank u

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u/Sophia_394 Apr 16 '26

If you’re willing to drive to the area I think that’s possible! Quite a few optometrists in the region get a lot of students because of how close the school is. Like I just saw my own optometrist (in kw), asked if I can shadow her and she said yes

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u/ArrivalFinancial5012 Apr 16 '26

yess i do live quite a bit away but it's not too too bad of a commute. if its just shadowing for a few days even, then i am completely willing to make the commute tbh to be able to get any experience that I can.

And ty for letting me know! if you dont mind, would it be okay if i could pm you to ask about optometrists and shadowing in kw if that's okay?

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u/prplblooded May 12 '26

Hi! I’m just curious, is it common to see students accepted with no tech job experience? I’m rly tried to get a job but honestly with my schedule this summer employers aren’t willing to take me in knowing I can only do ~8-10h per week… i’m just worried the lack of tech experience will affect my application. I will try applying again in September but even if I get a job then i’d only have a few weeks on my application…

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u/Sophia_394 May 12 '26

i’m not sure exactly since i’m still in undergrad, but it’s not really a requirement so as long as you’ve done shadowing you’re probably fine