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Getting accepted into optometry school involves much more than strong grades and a competitive GPA. Interviews allow schools to evaluate communication skills, professionalism, maturity, and a student’s passion for patient care. During a recent episode of the Depth Perception Podcast, Dr. Svetlana Nunez and Dr. Douglas Akidi shared practical strategies to help pre-optometry students feel more prepared and confident during the interview process.
Telling Your Story Effectively
One of the most common interview questions is, “Tell me about yourself.” While simple on the surface, this question often sets the tone for the rest of the interview. According to Dr. Akidi, applicants should avoid listing accomplishments mechanically and instead focus on telling a concise story that explains how they discovered optometry and why they are passionate about the profession.
Dr. Nunez discussed how personal experiences, patient interactions, or shadowing opportunities can help shape a memorable answer. Schools want to hear genuine stories that reflect growth, curiosity, and commitment to patient care rather than rehearsed responses.
The Importance of Shadowing and Experience
Another major theme from the podcast was the value of real-world exposure to optometry. Both hosts stressed that students should spend time shadowing optometrists or working in an eye care setting before applying.
These experiences help applicants better understand the profession while also preparing them for interview questions such as:
- Why optometry instead of another healthcare field?
- What defining moment led you to eye care?
- What challenges have you observed in the profession?
Dr. Akidi shared how working as an eyewear consultant allowed him to witness the emotional impact vision correction can have on patients, reinforcing his decision to pursue optometry.
Preparing for Behavioral Questions
Modern optometry school interviews increasingly include behavioral and ethical questions. Applicants may be asked how they would respond to difficult classmates, ethical dilemmas, or patient concerns. Dr. Nunez explained that schools want to evaluate professionalism, honesty, and problem-solving skills through these scenarios.
The hosts encouraged students to practice answering these questions out loud and to always end responses with a constructive or positive perspective.
Researching Schools and the Profession
The podcast also highlighted the importance of researching both the school and the profession itself. Understanding differences in scope of practice, legislation, and advocacy within optometry demonstrates initiative and professionalism.
Students should also prepare thoughtful questions for interviewers. Asking about clinical opportunities, mentorship, or school culture shows genuine interest and helps interviews become more conversational.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for an optometry school interview requires more than memorizing answers. Strong applicants combine preparation with authenticity, communication skills, and a clear understanding of why they want to become optometrists.
As Dr. Nunez and Dr. Akidi emphasized throughout the episode, confidence comes from experience, preparation, and practice. Whether through shadowing, mentorship, or even practicing mock interviews with AI tools, students who invest time into preparation are far more likely to stand out during the admissions process.
