This is actually my first year in college and I'm so nervous for whats ahead of me. Although this is really deep down what I want to pursue, I really began to doubt wether I can do it or not. I feel so much more inspired by you, thank you for this video.
I'm a freshman, and I recently...like last night, had a breakdown over what I really wanted to do. I was studying environmental science, but as interesting as it is...I just couldn't picture myself in the field. I remember going to my eye exam last year, and I loved chatting with the optometrist there, and loved how passionate she was about her job, and I feel like it really could be a viable option for me. I want to try and work in a vision care office doing some apprenticing, and get a feel for it, as well as shadowing an optometrist. What did you do when you shadowed, did you just stand there, and observe? How long were your shadowing periods?
+Alex Tobias Thanks for the comment. I definitely understand how tough it can be to decide what to do. I did most of my shadowing before I worked in offices. Usually, my shadows would vary in length, anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. For those, I pretty much got to see eye exams with patients and saw how patient flow works. I would say that I got most of my experience by working in offices. Doing that not only gave me shadowing experience, but also how the business end of the profession works too. Having done that really provided me with enough knowledge of what I was getting into. In your situation, I would try shadowing some more ODs and ask as many questions as possible to make sure you like it. It's incredibly important to explore what you like before you pursue any type of grad/professional school. I love optometry because giving the gift of healthy sight is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to help people. It also pays well and has opportunities to specialize. So keep searching and follow what feels right!
+Tyler L So even though you didn't hold any kind of official qualification (I assume), what was your position when you worked in the offices? What did you do?
Great video man, Great job. I too am going through the application process/worry/anxiety/etc of trying to get in. This video really shed some light. Thank you.
What were some personal study methods for your undergraduate classes as well as OAT prep? I fooled around in high school and was never studious, but I now that I am in college I'm looking to turn my life around and become an optometrist after working closely with a few optometrists. I can certainly use tips to improve myself and methods of study.
hi tyler nice videos Can one still become a eye surgeon by only going to optometry school and doing a residency? or only like you said medical school first ?
Hi Tyler, I am currently a senior at UCLA majoring in molecular bio and have been considering optometry for a while. I have been wanting to shadow an optometrist, but I am not sure how to get one. I think that's the only way I can make sure that's really what I want to do since it does seem like a monotone job sometimes from a patient's perspective so I want to see the real side of it from the doctor's point of view. What are some ways you would suggest to get a shadowing position? I did go from one optometrist to another individually asking them about a position, but the ones near campus are saturated with students already. Any recommendation will be helpful! Thank you :)
Good question. I remember how hard of a decision it was to make for me to go to school. Honestly, I simply called around to offices near my campus to shadow, and I was lucky enough to work at two of them after shadowing. Shadowing really isn't a position necessarily. Most of the time it's just a one time thing, either for a half day or full day at any given practice. Getting a position as a tech on the other hand is different. What I got out of working as a tech was to see the business side of optometry, how to talk to patients, how to pre-test, work insurance, and sell frames. Most people in optometry school don't work in an optometry office before school but I think that, more than anything, it gave me insight to how a practice is run. I'd say shadowing gives you a chance to feel out the profession. If you feel like you don't like the profession after shadowing a few doctors then working as a tech or going to school might not be the right choice. I mainly chose optometry because I identified with many optometrists' personalities and work ethic before applying. Just be aware that this is a very social job and you have to be able to talk to people, problem solve, and make many decisions all day. Don't let it scare you though. I think I like optometry because I get to solve a lot of puzzles.
@@rogueregimen Thank you for your response! I will definitely consider all of this because they do sound like things that I would enjoy. Now, the first thing I have to do is to just ask to shadow an optometrist! Thank you again :)
Hey Tyler! You're videos are very helpful. I'm in an interesting situation. I graduated high school with my associates of science because I went to a collegiate high school. I'm glad I'm two years ahead but I also feel very rushed as I am in my third year of college and should be taking the OAT soon. I'm also not sure if i want to become an opthomologist or an optometrist. I was wondering how you went about shadowing and gaining experience and knowledge about optometry. I know for sure I want to work in an eye care profession but I'm not sure which one. Did you consider optho or were you always set on optometry? And now that you're actually in optometry school do you feel like it was the right decision for you? What is the best way to study for the OAT? Sorry I have sooo many questions but I'd really appreciate if you could get back to me!! Thanks so much! :)
+Ashia Reynolds Thanks for the questions. Personally, I felt like I would be happy being an optometrist over an ophthalmologist because it's more people oriented. With a typical eye exam, you get the chance to interact with patients instead of just performing surgeries. Not saying that's all ophthalmologists just do that, but that it's a large part of what they do. I shadowed many optometrists around my college town to learn as much as I could before deciding, but I suggest you shadow ophthalmologists as well to ask them why they chose that route. As far as studying for the OAT, I highly suggest studying hard for the OAT any way you can so you don't have to take it more than once. I did Kaplan and I was glad I did. I love optometry school. It make for long days but that's what make you a competent eye doctor in the end. If you truly want to be an optometrist, you'll find a way to make yourself become one. I just got back from a mission trip where I dispensed glasses to hundreds of people, and many of them cried because of how well they can see. If that sounds like something that will make you happy, keep exploring this field. Good questions! Thanks
Hi Tyler. I found your video to be very encouraging and informative! I am considering very strongly to proceed in the area of going to optometry school. How is optometry school thus far? Is it fun? Rigorous? Time consuming? Interesting?
+Terrell Green Glad to hear you're thinking about this area! School is great. Pretty time consuming but I like it more than undergrad since it's so focused on the profession. I would say it's about the same level of rigor as an upper level undergrad science class but with just more to study. I'm making a new video about this soon. Also, check out my other video I have posted.
I’m a bit older in life, been working as a tech now for a few years, went to school for that...refracting, I&R, fitting, disease mgmt...but I’m looking to move forward. I’m from CO and looking at AZ and OK. Any help or recommendations?
Hi Tim. I would say you're at a big advantage to have worked as a tech already, especially with the certification and the skills you have. Schools mainly look at GPA, OAT scores and work experience so if you have all of those well rounded you have a good chance of getting in. There are plenty of older students that I go to school with that started late as well so you're definitely not the only one. I go to Midwestern in AZ myself and I can say I feel like I've gotten a great education so far. I don't know much about OK though. The truth is you'll get a great education at any school you choose. For me it was all about the state, the weather, and the people. Good luck!
hii, i found your video after looking up some optometry school advice videos. i am currently in a very similar situation as you were, i considered med school but after shadowing a doctor this summer i find the hospital environment very depressing and really dont feel it is for me. i spoke to my pre-health adviser who just mentioned optometry briefly, and after doing some research i feel like it is a good option for me. i shadowed a few optometrist in my area and enjoyed it too. i was wondering how many optometry schools did you apply to and which you ended up attending? and are you overall happy with your decision? im having a tough time making a decision and as a incoming junior my time is running out and i am looking for some advice from others! thanks :)
Hi *****. Thanks for your message. I ended up applying to five different schools, interviewed at two of them and decided to attend Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ this fall. I'm extremely happy with my decision in that the field of optometry has so many areas of potential proliferation. Nowadays, there isn't just one type of optometrist. There are many routes you can take if you wish to specialize such as vision therapy, contact lenses, sports vision, disease specialties, and much more. When I learned this, it gave me comfort knowing I have the option to expand my career in many ways. In addition, the profession will give me pride in what I do. Providing eye sight is such a subjective and important service you can give someone because it allows others to perform their jobs more effectively, actively engage in their social lives, and gives people more confidence. In addition, it pays well, allowing for a comfortable life style. My advice to you would be to continue to shadow different health care professionals, ask them why they became what they are, and maybe work in some sort of practice to give you an idea of what the profession will be like. For me, I chose optometry because I was inspired by the type of person I saw behind the eye doctor. I would say part of my decision came down to joining a field with like-minded people.
+Kelsea Brown Good question. The national average usually floats around 300. I did Kaplan and scored a 330. I highly suggest Kaplan if you want a great score! I would say to just practice everything. You never know what's going to be on the test. I'd also say if you find a way to organize your studying and think about it as just another class, you won't get impatient with studying and hopefully stay focused that way.
+Tyler L hi! Thank you! I have the Kaplan book and I've been studying that for awhile now. I signed up for one of their practice tests as well. I just get so nervous because Optometry is something I know I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. The test is so expensive and I want to only take it one time
I really want to do optometry in uni I'm currently finishing up my first year in college and failing chem literally gettin Es soo worried don't think I'll be able to get the grades I need to. Do it
+Aaron Medrano You don't have to be a particular major to get into optometry school. All you have to do is fulfill the optometry school's pre-requisite requirements. It certainly helps to major in some sort of biology major (personally, mine was biomedical sciences) because most if not all pre-requisites for optometry school are in those majors. Good question.
Tyler L what was your Bachelors Degree in? Did you work as a Optometry Tech/Optician prior or just shadowed an Optometrist Dr. Brian? I’m looking at Midwestern University Optometry admission requirements! I’m a RN in the process of switching and being an O.D!
Hi Crystal! I got mine in biomedical sciences and yes I worked in two places as a tech before school. I also shadowed around here and there for experience as well. Definitely explore it! Make sure you know what you're getting into before you decide. I personally would do it again if I had the option.
Tyler L Thank You for replying! I don’t want to sound weird but I notice the CO flag behind you and I’m actually living in C. Springs right now so I found that UCCS has the BS in Biomedical Science degree! I wonder if it’s better than a BS in Biology for Optometry school? Last question!! where did you get your training to work as a Tech at an optometry clinic? Idk if I’m searching it wrong but I’m not finding any training programs anywhere? On top of shadowing, I’d really like to work as a tech so I can see what the day to day activities are like and get experience.
@@jthall143 I wouldn't say it matters what the degree is called. As long as you get your pre-reqs taken care of the degree name doesn't matter. In fact, many of the science degrees largely have overlapping classes anyways. I worked in a couple offices in Fort Collins around my undergrad but I did not do any sort of training per se. I just trained on the job.
Hey, thanks for all the tips. I love hearing admission stories because I don't personally know anyone who went to optometry school. I'm curious on how you got in to shadow optometrists. I'm looking at going to optometry school and so far my GPA is good, I'm studying hard for the OAT but I've called a handful of optometrist offices and can't get anyone to return my phone calls to get in to shadow. Any suggestions?
MissAristen Most optometrists I shadowed were through my undergraduate school's pre-Optometry club. Even if your school doesn't have a club, I would suggest to call different offices. There are plenty of optometrists who are more than willing to share their career experiences with you!
great video. I hear that you have to have a Bachelor degree before applying to Optometry School. Is this true? Did you get a Bachelor degree in something? How long did it take you to finish your prep requirements?
+Efrain Nunez Some schools require a bachelors degree while others don't. Check with the admissions requirements on each school's website you're interested in. I got my bachelors in biomedical sciences in 4 years but you don't have to major in any specific science major. All you have to do is fulfill each school's pre-requisite courses.
Hi Tyler, I wanted to know if a Bachelors in science..biology...chemistry etc etc is required in order to be considered for the program? My sister received her Associates in Science and had all her Pharmacy prerequisites completed and was accepted into UofA w/o having a BS I'm curious to know if Midwestern is like that as well?
You do not need a bachelors of science to be considered at Midwestern. Most people do just because most, if not all of the pre-reqs are included in majors like that. As long as you have all of the pre-reqs you will be just fine!
What do you have to say about the job market these days? There are so many ODs out there who can't find full time work. What they make is probably not worth the 200K debt.
+Tyler PannuGood question. There are some states that are saturated with optometrists. Obviously, the more popular the state, the more doctors want to practice there. However, there is a huge advantage to get your OD degree these days because of the proliferating aging population. Baby boomers are getting older, which requires more doctors in all professions to be needed. Optometry is also a rapidly growing field with vision therapy, sports vision, contact lens, low vision, research, and many more specialties that you can grow into. Debt may be tough for a while but if it's something you truly want to do, you'll find a way to get there.
Thanks for answering. I have a 3.1 GPA overall, but my science GPA is like a 2.6. I'm taking the OAT in a couple weeks. How do you think my stats look?
+Tyler Pannu GPA is important but it's not everything. Most admissions committees will look at many things like your OAT score, GPA, shadowing, knowledge of the profession and extracurricular altogether. It's really hard to say.
There is always a need for research and there are so many areas you can get into. Low vision is a type of optometry that focuses on treating patients that have a tough time seeing objects up close, usually older people have these problems.
This is actually my first year in college and I'm so nervous for whats ahead of me. Although this is really deep down what I want to pursue, I really began to doubt wether I can do it or not. I feel so much more inspired by you, thank you for this video.
thank you for making this video it was very helpful to start my path to become a optometrist.
he is so daddy goddamn
I'm a freshman, and I recently...like last night, had a breakdown over what I really wanted to do. I was studying environmental science, but as interesting as it is...I just couldn't picture myself in the field. I remember going to my eye exam last year, and I loved chatting with the optometrist there, and loved how passionate she was about her job, and I feel like it really could be a viable option for me. I want to try and work in a vision care office doing some apprenticing, and get a feel for it, as well as shadowing an optometrist. What did you do when you shadowed, did you just stand there, and observe? How long were your shadowing periods?
+Alex Tobias Thanks for the comment. I definitely understand how tough it can be to decide what to do. I did most of my shadowing before I worked in offices. Usually, my shadows would vary in length, anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. For those, I pretty much got to see eye exams with patients and saw how patient flow works. I would say that I got most of my experience by working in offices. Doing that not only gave me shadowing experience, but also how the business end of the profession works too. Having done that really provided me with enough knowledge of what I was getting into.
In your situation, I would try shadowing some more ODs and ask as many questions as possible to make sure you like it. It's incredibly important to explore what you like before you pursue any type of grad/professional school.
I love optometry because giving the gift of healthy sight is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to help people. It also pays well and has opportunities to specialize.
So keep searching and follow what feels right!
+Tyler L So even though you didn't hold any kind of official qualification (I assume), what was your position when you worked in the offices? What did you do?
+Tyler L OH and thank you very much for the reply!
I pretty much served as a secretary/pre-tester/salesperson for my jobs, and you're welcome!
@@rogueregimen did you have a sales goal? Would you get in trouble if you did not make your sales goal
Thank you so much, you answered all my questions about optometry school and I definitely want to start my journey to studying optometry.
Great video man, Great job. I too am going through the application process/worry/anxiety/etc of trying to get in. This video really shed some light. Thank you.
What were some personal study methods for your undergraduate classes as well as OAT prep? I fooled around in high school and was never studious, but I now that I am in college I'm looking to turn my life around and become an optometrist after working closely with a few optometrists. I can certainly use tips to improve myself and methods of study.
Thnks Tyler this video helped me a lot. I am still a senior but I think I will be an optometrist
How I get selected in the Campus Placement?
Talk to a school counselor about how to get into optometry school
Yo he’s my optometrist doctor in colorado
hi tyler nice videos
Can one still become a eye surgeon by only going to optometry school and doing a residency?
or only like you said medical school first ?
to do surgery, you have to go to medical school first
Are you single?! I did optometry well, on my way to finishing :)
This was a really good talk. Thnx
I'm still waiting to hear back from schools and I applied a month ago :((
+mlbhoustonfan09 Sometimes it takes a while to hear back. Don't get too discouraged!
Thanks for the great advice!
Can you practise Optometry after 2 years Diploma?
It requires 4 years of optometry school
thanks for the intervieuw tips!
So inspiring.
Good stuff man!
What kind of questions did you ask after the interview? And was the interview mostly about you or optometry?
I would say it was a little of both. I asked what the interviewers were interested in and about possible specialties I can get into.
oh ok i see thanks for letting me know you're videos are great and very helpful thank you :)
The on-demand Capcorn option? what was the online lectures you took?
I don't know about the Capcorn option. However, I did the Kaplan on-demand option and helped me out very much.
I have question... what are 4yrs degrees that leads you to optometry ?
awesome thank you
Hi Tyler, I am currently a senior at UCLA majoring in molecular bio and have been considering optometry for a while. I have been wanting to shadow an optometrist, but I am not sure how to get one. I think that's the only way I can make sure that's really what I want to do since it does seem like a monotone job sometimes from a patient's perspective so I want to see the real side of it from the doctor's point of view. What are some ways you would suggest to get a shadowing position? I did go from one optometrist to another individually asking them about a position, but the ones near campus are saturated with students already. Any recommendation will be helpful! Thank you :)
Good question. I remember how hard of a decision it was to make for me to go to school. Honestly, I simply called around to offices near my campus to shadow, and I was lucky enough to work at two of them after shadowing. Shadowing really isn't a position necessarily. Most of the time it's just a one time thing, either for a half day or full day at any given practice. Getting a position as a tech on the other hand is different. What I got out of working as a tech was to see the business side of optometry, how to talk to patients, how to pre-test, work insurance, and sell frames. Most people in optometry school don't work in an optometry office before school but I think that, more than anything, it gave me insight to how a practice is run. I'd say shadowing gives you a chance to feel out the profession. If you feel like you don't like the profession after shadowing a few doctors then working as a tech or going to school might not be the right choice. I mainly chose optometry because I identified with many optometrists' personalities and work ethic before applying. Just be aware that this is a very social job and you have to be able to talk to people, problem solve, and make many decisions all day. Don't let it scare you though. I think I like optometry because I get to solve a lot of puzzles.
@@rogueregimen Thank you for your response! I will definitely consider all of this because they do sound like things that I would enjoy. Now, the first thing I have to do is to just ask to shadow an optometrist! Thank you again :)
Hey Tyler! You're videos are very helpful. I'm in an interesting situation. I graduated high school with my associates of science because I went to a collegiate high school. I'm glad I'm two years ahead but I also feel very rushed as I am in my third year of college and should be taking the OAT soon. I'm also not sure if i want to become an opthomologist or an optometrist. I was wondering how you went about shadowing and gaining experience and knowledge about optometry. I know for sure I want to work in an eye care profession but I'm not sure which one. Did you consider optho or were you always set on optometry? And now that you're actually in optometry school do you feel like it was the right decision for you? What is the best way to study for the OAT? Sorry I have sooo many questions but I'd really appreciate if you could get back to me!! Thanks so much! :)
+Ashia Reynolds
Thanks for the questions. Personally, I felt like I would be happy being an optometrist over an ophthalmologist because it's more people oriented. With a typical eye exam, you get the chance to interact with patients instead of just performing surgeries. Not saying that's all ophthalmologists just do that, but that it's a large part of what they do. I shadowed many optometrists around my college town to learn as much as I could before deciding, but I suggest you shadow ophthalmologists as well to ask them why they chose that route.
As far as studying for the OAT, I highly suggest studying hard for the OAT any way you can so you don't have to take it more than once. I did Kaplan and I was glad I did.
I love optometry school. It make for long days but that's what make you a competent eye doctor in the end. If you truly want to be an optometrist, you'll find a way to make yourself become one. I just got back from a mission trip where I dispensed glasses to hundreds of people, and many of them cried because of how well they can see. If that sounds like something that will make you happy, keep exploring this field.
Good questions! Thanks
+Tyler L thanks so much!! :)
thanks so much
that really helped me
Does this job require you to wash hands frequently? Just want to know..
Yes, absolutely.
@@rogueregimen just want to know because I have mild eczema, and I know it's less invasive than other healthcare jobs.
Hi Tyler. I found your video to be very encouraging and informative! I am considering very strongly to proceed in the area of going to optometry school. How is optometry school thus far? Is it fun? Rigorous? Time consuming? Interesting?
+Terrell Green
Glad to hear you're thinking about this area! School is great. Pretty time consuming but I like it more than undergrad since it's so focused on the profession. I would say it's about the same level of rigor as an upper level undergrad science class but with just more to study. I'm making a new video about this soon. Also, check out my other video I have posted.
I’m a bit older in life, been working as a tech now for a few years, went to school for that...refracting, I&R, fitting, disease mgmt...but I’m looking to move forward. I’m from CO and looking at AZ and OK. Any help or recommendations?
Hi Tim. I would say you're at a big advantage to have worked as a tech already, especially with the certification and the skills you have. Schools mainly look at GPA, OAT scores and work experience so if you have all of those well rounded you have a good chance of getting in. There are plenty of older students that I go to school with that started late as well so you're definitely not the only one. I go to Midwestern in AZ myself and I can say I feel like I've gotten a great education so far. I don't know much about OK though. The truth is you'll get a great education at any school you choose. For me it was all about the state, the weather, and the people. Good luck!
I appreciate the quick reply :)
When did you begin shadowing optometrists? After undergrad?
I started shadowing in early undergrad. Thanks for the question!
hii, i found your video after looking up some optometry school advice videos. i am currently in a very similar situation as you were, i considered med school but after shadowing a doctor this summer i find the hospital environment very depressing and really dont feel it is for me.
i spoke to my pre-health adviser who just mentioned optometry briefly, and after doing some research i feel like it is a good option for me. i shadowed a few optometrist in my area and enjoyed it too.
i was wondering how many optometry schools did you apply to and which you ended up attending? and are you overall happy with your decision? im having a tough time making a decision and as a incoming junior my time is running out and i am looking for some advice from others! thanks :)
Hi *****. Thanks for your message. I ended up applying to five different schools, interviewed at two of them and decided to attend Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ this fall. I'm extremely happy with my decision in that the field of optometry has so many areas of potential proliferation. Nowadays, there isn't just one type of optometrist. There are many routes you can take if you wish to specialize such as vision therapy, contact lenses, sports vision, disease specialties, and much more. When I learned this, it gave me comfort knowing I have the option to expand my career in many ways.
In addition, the profession will give me pride in what I do. Providing eye sight is such a subjective and important service you can give someone because it allows others to perform their jobs more effectively, actively engage in their social lives, and gives people more confidence. In addition, it pays well, allowing for a comfortable life style.
My advice to you would be to continue to shadow different health care professionals, ask them why they became what they are, and maybe work in some sort of practice to give you an idea of what the profession will be like. For me, I chose optometry because I was inspired by the type of person I saw behind the eye doctor. I would say part of my decision came down to joining a field with like-minded people.
thanks! great advice :)
How did you do on your OAT? I'll be taking mine in a couple of weeks. How was it? Any tips?
+Kelsea Brown Good question. The national average usually floats around 300. I did Kaplan and scored a 330. I highly suggest Kaplan if you want a great score! I would say to just practice everything. You never know what's going to be on the test. I'd also say if you find a way to organize your studying and think about it as just another class, you won't get impatient with studying and hopefully stay focused that way.
+Tyler L hi! Thank you! I have the Kaplan book and I've been studying that for awhile now. I signed up for one of their practice tests as well. I just get so nervous because Optometry is something I know I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. The test is so expensive and I want to only take it one time
Good work! If you get used to being timed just like the Kaplan practice tests, it will prepare you well. Good luck!
I really want to do optometry in uni I'm currently finishing up my first year in college and failing chem literally gettin Es soo worried don't think I'll be able to get the grades I need to. Do it
Hey there, I am currently a optician I want to go to optometry school to become a optometrist. What degree should I major in for my bachelors degree?
+Aaron Medrano
You don't have to be a particular major to get into optometry school. All you have to do is fulfill the optometry school's pre-requisite requirements. It certainly helps to major in some sort of biology major (personally, mine was biomedical sciences) because most if not all pre-requisites for optometry school are in those majors. Good question.
Tyler L what was your Bachelors Degree in? Did you work as a Optometry Tech/Optician prior or just shadowed an Optometrist Dr. Brian? I’m looking at Midwestern University Optometry admission requirements! I’m a RN in the process of switching and being an O.D!
Hi Crystal! I got mine in biomedical sciences and yes I worked in two places as a tech before school. I also shadowed around here and there for experience as well. Definitely explore it! Make sure you know what you're getting into before you decide. I personally would do it again if I had the option.
Tyler L Thank You for replying! I don’t want to sound weird but I notice the CO flag behind you and I’m actually living in C. Springs right now so I found that UCCS has the BS in Biomedical Science degree! I wonder if it’s better than a BS in Biology for Optometry school? Last question!! where did you get your training to work as a Tech at an optometry clinic? Idk if I’m searching it wrong but I’m not finding any training programs anywhere? On top of shadowing, I’d really like to work as a tech so I can see what the day to day activities are like and get experience.
@@jthall143 I wouldn't say it matters what the degree is called. As long as you get your pre-reqs taken care of the degree name doesn't matter. In fact, many of the science degrees largely have overlapping classes anyways. I worked in a couple offices in Fort Collins around my undergrad but I did not do any sort of training per se. I just trained on the job.
Hey, thanks for all the tips. I love hearing admission stories because I don't personally know anyone who went to optometry school. I'm curious on how you got in to shadow optometrists. I'm looking at going to optometry school and so far my GPA is good, I'm studying hard for the OAT but I've called a handful of optometrist offices and can't get anyone to return my phone calls to get in to shadow. Any suggestions?
MissAristen Most optometrists I shadowed were through my undergraduate school's pre-Optometry club. Even if your school doesn't have a club, I would suggest to call different offices. There are plenty of optometrists who are more than willing to share their career experiences with you!
great video. I hear that you have to have a Bachelor degree before applying to Optometry School. Is this true? Did you get a Bachelor degree in something? How long did it take you to finish your prep requirements?
+Efrain Nunez Some schools require a bachelors degree while others don't. Check with the admissions requirements on each school's website you're interested in. I got my bachelors in biomedical sciences in 4 years but you don't have to major in any specific science major. All you have to do is fulfill each school's pre-requisite courses.
I never seen any male optometrian in Finland. I have done eye checks every 3 years maybe. I am 26 now. Interesting profession indeed.
Idellle in the jumbo near me most of the eye doctors are male
Hi Tyler, I wanted to know if a Bachelors in science..biology...chemistry etc etc is required in order to be considered for the program? My sister received her Associates in Science and had all her Pharmacy prerequisites completed and was accepted into UofA w/o having a BS I'm curious to know if Midwestern is like that as well?
You do not need a bachelors of science to be considered at Midwestern. Most people do just because most, if not all of the pre-reqs are included in majors like that. As long as you have all of the pre-reqs you will be just fine!
Did you apply to UC Berkeley?
I did not. I hear it's a very good school though
Are you still in school?
yes, I'm a third year student
can u send me form for course optometry we want to join in uk for join this course or optician course thank reply
2019
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New Age of Enlightenment
What is your age?
Should I be worried that technology is going to take over optometry in the next couple of years
they say that about every profession. Dental, medical, hell even law.
What do you have to say about the job market these days? There are so many ODs out there who can't find full time work. What they make is probably not worth the 200K debt.
+Tyler PannuGood question. There are some states that are saturated with optometrists. Obviously, the more popular the state, the more doctors want to practice there. However, there is a huge advantage to get your OD degree these days because of the proliferating aging population. Baby boomers are getting older, which requires more doctors in all professions to be needed. Optometry is also a rapidly growing field with vision therapy, sports vision, contact lens, low vision, research, and many more specialties that you can grow into. Debt may be tough for a while but if it's something you truly want to do, you'll find a way to get there.
Thanks for answering. I have a 3.1 GPA overall, but my science GPA is like a 2.6. I'm taking the OAT in a couple weeks. How do you think my stats look?
+Tyler Pannu GPA is important but it's not everything. Most admissions committees will look at many things like your OAT score, GPA, shadowing, knowledge of the profession and extracurricular altogether. It's really hard to say.
Is the demand high for Optometry research? What is low vision?
There is always a need for research and there are so many areas you can get into. Low vision is a type of optometry that focuses on treating patients that have a tough time seeing objects up close, usually older people have these problems.