Most optometry schools expect applicants to complete shadowing hours as part of the admissions process. Some programs formally require them; others strongly recommend them. Either way, shadowing provides critical exposure to real-world clinical practice … and gives applicants a chance to confirm that optometry is the right path. Competitive candidates often complete 20 – 50+ hours, ideally in multiple types of settings.
This makes you essential to the pipeline. If you’ve never hosted a student before — or if you’ve had mixed experiences — here’s a practical guide to selecting the right candidates, managing expectations, and making shadowing a positive and productive experience for all involved.
Remember, most students are very much still figuring things out. You want to encourage questions and model professionalism but avoid information overload.
Why should you offer shadowing?
Taking on a student is an opportunity to do some real good for the future of the field. You can:
- Encourage strong candidates. You know the impact of a good mentor.
- Share the rewards (and realities) of private practice, corporate settings, or specialization.
- Help diversify the profession by offering access to students who may not have personal connections.
- Reconnect with your own “why” by sharing your path and passion with someone just starting theirs.
- Grow your own talent.
How to choose the right candidate
A screening process is important, but it needn’t be lengthy. A quick phone call is usually enough to get a read. If it seems like the student is just going through the motions or can’t articulate why they’re interested, it’s okay to say no.
Similar to hiring staff, you’re looking for certain qualities. For a shadowing prospect that’ll be things like:
- A clear, thoughtful explanation of why they’re pursuing optometry
- Respectful, professional communication and punctual follow-up
- Prior effort — have they already done some shadowing or researched the field?
Tip: A good first question is to ask whether the prospect has had a chance to look up your practice. If the answer is yes, it shows a tangible, specific interest in working with you.
What to offer during shadowing
Don’t feel like you need an ultra-structured training setup, but a little thought on your end can make the experience more memorable and educational for the student. Here are a few ways to elevate shadowing without disrupting your day-to-day flow.
MAKE ROOM FOR OBSERVATION AND REFLECTION
Let students observe a variety of patient interactions — routine exams, contact lens fittings, pediatric visits, or discussions about ocular disease management. Seeing different types of appointments helps them understand the full scope of what you (and they will someday) do.
During slower moments or between patients, try to ask questions to keep the experience from being merely passive observation:
- “What did you notice about that interaction?” or “What surprised you about that exam?”
- “Did you notice how we adapted our approach based on the patient’s age or background?”
- “How would you handle that question if you didn’t know the answer?”
- “What non-clinical skills did you see in action today?”
- “If you owned a practice, what would you do differently (or the same) as what you saw today?”
INTRODUCE THEM TO YOUR ENTIRE TEAM
Front desk, opticians, techs, and billing staff all play a role in your patient’s experience. Allow students to shadow each role briefly, e.g. spend 30 minutes up front to see the processes for scheduling and check-ins. Or have an optician walk them through the basics of frame selection and lens types. They’ll get to see how a practice really runs, and it builds appreciation for the team dynamic they’ll rely on in their own careers.
SHARE YOUR PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Your honest reflections on the profession are invaluable to someone just getting started. Consider sharing:
- Why you chose optometry (particularly over other careers)
- What challenges you’ve faced in practice
- The most rewarding parts of your day
- Advice you wish you’d had at their stage
You can also talk about the business side — practice ownership, insurance navigation, or work-life balance. That stuff isn’t always covered in school but absolutely shapes long-term satisfaction.
GIVE THEM A SMALL PROJECT
If time allows, give the student something to engage with independently. For example:
- A short case study to review and discuss at the end of the day
- Some of your patient education material. Ask what they think or how they would explain it differently.
- A recommendation to listen to a relevant podcast or follow a publication (like Optometry 411)
LAST STEP: SET EXPECTATIONS
Before day one, be sure to outline what the student can and can’t do in your clinic. Cover:
- Dress code and HIPAA compliance
- Patient consent and introductions (Let students know that some patients may opt out of having an observer, and model a respectful introduction: “This is [name], a pre-optometry student observing today. Do you mind if they sit in?”)
- Where to stand during exams
- When and how they can ask questions
- What parts of the day they can observe
- Breaks and scheduling
- Use of electronic devices
Tip: Having a one-pager or welcome email template (such as the one below) can make this process smooth and repeatable.
📩 Sample welcome email template for shadowing students
Subject: Welcome to Your Upcoming Shadowing Experience
Hi [student name],
We’re looking forward to having you shadow at our office on [date] from [start time] to [end time]. This is a great opportunity to observe the daily life of a practicing optometrist and explore the field firsthand.
Here are a few reminders to help you prepare:
Location:
Parking Info:
Dress Code:
What to Bring:
HIPAA Reminder: Please respect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times. You’ll be asked to sign a HIPAA agreement upon arrival.
We encourage you to observe, ask questions during downtime, and get a feel for how our practice operates, from clinical care to teamwork and communication. Please reply to this email to confirm your attendance.
Let me know if you have any questions before your visit!
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[OD Title and Practice Name]
[Email and/or Phone]
