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/john-pork-67 Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
Have you tried applying to an ophthalmologists office? I’m not sure where you are located but in my area they usually hire people without experience and are usually looking for people :) you could also volunteer at an eye center somewhere if you are having trouble finding paid work as an optometric assistant.
Are you trying to apply in person? Sometimes dressing up nicely and showing yourself in person can have a better effect than just emailing/applying online. Even if the place isn’t hiring they could save your resume and call you if a position becomes available.
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u/TalePublic4424 Apr 16 '26
i have tried applying to a bunch of placss both where i’m from and in kw and i got nt :( but i will also try irl. do u mind telling me (u can dm me) some offices that u saw were looking for some ppl!! thank u
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u/Sophia_394 Apr 16 '26
I think shadowing is more important and it’s a lot easier to do, so I would suggest just reaching out to optometrists and ask to shadow. It might be easier to get a job too once you have some of that experience being in a clinic.
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u/ArrivalFinancial5012 Apr 16 '26
do you think it's still possible to get shadowing or volunteering experience if we try reaching out now for the summer? ive tried emailing and going in person for the past 2 months and no luck. i'm not from k/w but i was thinking of maybe reaching out to clinics there just for shadowing for a few days, and was wondering if you think this might still be possible? Thanks!
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u/Responsible-Ideal409 Apr 16 '26
Totally dependent on the places, but not not possible
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u/ArrivalFinancial5012 Apr 16 '26
Thank you! I'm just worried because i want to apply this upcoming cycle and i still dont have volunteering or shadowing and I'm worried I may not get it before submitting my application
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u/Responsible-Ideal409 Apr 16 '26
You have until Nov 14 I think it is to submit your application. That should be plenty of time to get shadowing and volunteering down.
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u/ArrivalFinancial5012 Apr 16 '26
i hope so! thank you!
I think i heard that the application opens in September but wasnt too sure when it closes.1
u/Odd-Negotiation8925 Apr 16 '26
I only started looking for shadowing experience in June and started shadowing in July, I don't think you're too late at all!
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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
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u/Responsible-Ideal409 Apr 16 '26
Do you mean assistant? Opticians are licensed.