The transition from optometry school to an optometrist is not an easy one to make. As a student, you have many questions you have to ask about what you want to do, and sometimes not enough experience to answer them.
Kristin O’Brien, OD, the Founder of Vision Source of Green Valley Ranch, has some insight into a few of the major questions she feels all upcoming (and new) grads should consider.
Where optometry students should plan to practice
In order to understand what atmosphere you are looking for, you have to figure out where you want to practice!
- Do you want to stay in your college town or go back home?
- Do you want to be in a bustling city or find a quiet suburb?
Once you figure out where you want to go, you’ll have a good sense of who to ask.
How optometry students can learn more
Tell everybody that you know! It may sound simple, but the first step in gathering information about your profession is to speak to other professionals. Dr. O’Brien suggests attending at least one conference per year. Here are a few options:
Make each trip worthwhile. As nice as it may be to take a vacation and go to a new city, wisely use your time at conferences by attending continuing education workshops and participating in networking events.
What kind of practice do you want?
Are you looking to open your own practice cold? Are you hoping to work with a small private practice? If you know what environment you want to be working in, you’ll be able to learn through a mode of practice that you are most interested in.
