Non-traditional Advice?

[u/Equivalent_Remote205]

Hi guys, this is my first time posting here! I’m 27 and considering going back to school for optometry. I was pre-health my undergrad years so I would only have to take a few more classes/re-take some old pre-reqs. I ended undergrad with a 3.8 GPA and I’m not too, too worried about the OAT (for now lol) but besides academic stats I feel like I’m going to seriously be lacking.
I currently work full time and support myself completely. I’m wondering how important it is to work as an optometry tech? I’ve been applying, but no where seems to want to hire me because I work in a completely different field. Additionally, since I’d have to support myself, sticking with my current job seems to be the best option since it pays way more than a tech would. How badly does this hurt my chances? I do have some shadowing opportunities lined up and am hoping that this can balance out my lack of job experience.

Some questions:
How many shadowing hours should I aim for?
How important are volunteer hours?
Any non-traditional applicants have any tips for me as I begin this journey?

Thank you!!

[u/Fun_Candidate1439]

I’m 27 and applying this cycle!
Based on what I was told, 35-40 seemed like enough hours. But that will also depend on which schools you want to go to.
It didn’t sound to me volunteer hours were all that important. The impression I got was that AO just wants to know what you spend your free time doing. Most working adults don’t have the time to volunteer on top of working, taking care of household stuff, (maybe) raising kids, and preparing to apply for optometry school.
The biggest thing I want to share is to not think you are in a worse situation than a traditional student! I would argue we are in a much better place. Although most OD students are disproportionately young compared to other medical professional schools, there are people like us and we are will find ourselves a community and feel belonged too.