Pre-Optometry Experience

It is helpful to gain experience working with optometrists and patients. Both the range and the depth of your experiences are important. 

You can begin by arranging brief informational interviews with optometrists listed in the yellow pages, asking them what they do, what they like about their jobs, what they don't like about their jobs, and what advice they have for people interested in entering the profession. You may also want to arrange to job shadow for a few days. 

Most of our candidates gain more substantial experience by working as an assistant in a optometry office or optical dispensary. The folks in University Career Center, 864-3624, 110 Burge Union, www.kucareerhawk.com, can help you put together a resume. Then, look up all the local offices a phone book. Introduce yourself, and leave a resume that they can keep on file. Check back every month or two to let offices know you are still interested. Let your friends and family know  you're looking for a job as a optometry assistant. The Pre-Optometry Club has been a very helpful network for learning about job opportunities.

In addition to optometry experiences, some schools emphasize a demonstrated commitment to social service. Many of our pre-optometry students, for example, volunteer as readers for KU's Audio-Reader Program. For more information, see reader.ku.edu.

To find out more about other local volunteer programs, you can contact the Roger Hill Volunteer Center, 865-5030, www.rhvc.org, the Center for Community Outreach, 864-4073, www.ku.edu/~cco, and Impact Online, a volunteer match program at www.impactonline.org.

There are even related international volunteer programs, like Unite for Sight.

Part of optometry is applied science, and it is helpful to know how this knowledge is developed. Working on a research project is also a good way to earn a substantial recommendation letter from a faculty member who knows you well. Most students volunteer their help, some earn directed study credit, and a very few are paid for their assistance. Demonstrate your aptitude in basic science courses, then let faculty members know you are interested in conducting research.

For the Biological Sciences Division, you can find some information posted at www.kuub.ku.edu/~kuub/uro/index.shtml. The folks in the main office, 2045 Haworth, have also helped students arrange summer internships.