By Kristen Nathe, Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2027
Optometry school is an exciting time for any student pursuing a future career in the profession. Between all the didactic work and experience in clinic, there are so many enriching opportunities to pursue that can make your time in optometry school even more memorable and position you for success after graduation.
Here are five key opportunities that you should pursue before you officially become a Doctor of Optometry.
1. Create Connections with Professors and Classmates
Four years might seem like a long time to be in school, but before you know it, time will fly by, and you’ll find yourself at graduation. It is important to take advantage of this time and form strong relationships while you’re still in optometry school. Your classmates are going to be your future colleagues, and you’ll want to make sure you have a network of friends to reach out to when you need a second opinion.
And don’t forget about your professors! They are a fountain of knowledge. Not only will you be able to learn so much from them (just remember to take the time to ask them questions), but you’ll also create lasting relationships. Students are so fortunate to have access to many eyecare professionals during optometry school. Take advantage of this while you can. Once you graduate and start practicing on your own, it's not uncommon to feel the pressure of being alone. You want to make sure that you set yourself up to feel supported by all the individuals that helped you get to where you are now and where you’re going in the future.
2. Make Yourself Uncomfortable
I am not a person that likes to do uncomfortable things (much less seek them out). But the one thing that has helped me grow the most as a student is making myself uncomfortable. Granted, it can be very scary to try to master new, challenging skills, or to push yourself to ask the “why.” However, you will never be in a more forgiving environment than the one you are in as a student.
Take the opportunity to mess up. Don’t attempt to be perfect on the first try. And don’t be afraid to get things wrong. School is the perfect environment for making mistakes because you have others to guide you.
When you start practicing, you are the eyecare professional that patients come to for expertise. School is your opportunity for guidance. It’s a place to gain advice and where you can learn techniques from experienced individuals.
Don’t save your first attempts for moments when nobody is watching over your shoulder. Make yourself uncomfortable as a student so you can feel comfortable when it matters.
3. Volunteer to Give Eye Exams
Volunteer opportunities are something that you can explore as soon as you step foot on campus. No matter where you are in your skills’ knowledge, volunteer eye exams are a fantastic way to learn from upperclassmen. You can also gain first-hand knowledge in areas that you might not yet have learned in your curriculum. What’s more, you get to practice your skills with real-life patients and often be exposed to eye conditions that you might not see during your proficiencies.
Not only will you get to bolster your experience and education, but you’ll also make a difference! After all, you’ll be providing care to patients who often can’t access it otherwise.
So many students go into optometry because they want to help people. Providing volunteer eye exams is one of the absolute best ways to do so as a student. There are many clubs in optometry schools that are free or very affordable to join and provide students many opportunities to give free eye exams in the community or on short mission trips.
Get involved!
4. Become a Regular at Optometry Events
Joining a club opens many doors for new opportunities. In my experience, eyecare businesses and corporations love supporting optometry school students. There will be many opportunities while you’re a student to attend a dinner, a networking event, or even a practice crawl. All expose you to different modes of practice, new eyecare products, industry advancements, and what the eyecare community is like outside of optometry school.
These events also provide the chance to talk to doctors 1:1 about their own unique career paths. Optometry is a small community, so take the time to talk to these doctors, pick their brains, and make connections.
The free food doesn’t hurt either!
5. Attend Optometry Meetings
I know first-hand that the course and clinic load during optometry school can feel overwhelming. Despite your workload, I would highly suggest attending an optometry meeting while you are a student.
Most optometry schools encourage their students to attend these meetings and many give students time off to go. You can also arrange to make up any missed classes or clinic in order for you to attend.
Additionally, these meetings offer a student rate for registration that is far more affordable than the registration rate post-graduation. Take advantage of this! Not only is registration more affordable for students, but you can also participate in many student-centered events where you can learn about residencies, loan repayment programs, the newest eyecare innovations, and the latest in continuing education.
And there are lots of freebies! This is a great way to try out products for yourself that you might end up recommending to your own patients.
Final Takes
Optometry school might feel like another hurdle you have to jump over before you can finally reach your career goals. But in reality, this time is a gift where you can challenge yourself in ways you’ve never tried before. And you can do it all with the greatest support system and community behind you. Make the most of your time as a student because these are the years you'll look back on and cherish.
Originally from Oak Grove, Minnesota, Kristen Nathe completed her undergraduate education with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Optometry degree at Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry.
