How to Prepare for an Optometry Interview?

I've been invited to an optometry interview at a university, and I'm feeling a bit nervous. Can anyone suggest the kind of questions they might ask or useful tips to feel more prepared?

There are various areas you should focus on to prepare for an optometry school interview:

1. Understanding the Profession: Expect questions about why you're interested in optometry. Be prepared to talk about your understanding of the profession, including the role and responsibilities of an optometrist and the challenges facing the field. You can gain insight through experiences like shadowing an optometrist, volunteering in a clinic, or conducting research about the profession.

2. Personal Motivation: Be ready to discuss your motivations for becoming an optometrist. What fuels your interest in the field? How have your academic and extracurricular activities prepared you for this path? These questions aim to assess whether you have the passion and commitment to pursue a career in optometry.

3. Ethics and Problem Solving: You may be presented with hypothetical situations that test your ethical judgment and problem-solving abilities. Usually, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers here. Instead, they're looking to see your thought process and how you approach decision-making.

4. Communication and Teamwork: Optometry is a profession that requires excellent communication and teamwork skills. You might be asked to illustrate these skills with examples from your experiences in team settings or situations where you had to effectively communicate complex information.

5. Understanding the School: Research about the university and its optometry program. Understand their mission, values, curriculum, clinical training, and any unique aspects of their program. Be prepared to discuss why you want to attend that particular school and how it aligns with your future goals.

In terms of practical tips:

1. Practice: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career advisors. This can help you get comfortable answering questions and presenting your thoughts coherently.

2. Dress Professionally: First impressions matter. Dress professionally, as if you were heading to a job interview.

3. Be Authentic: Be yourself and answer honestly. Authenticity goes a long way in interviews.

4. Maintain Eye Contact: This showcases your confidence and attentiveness.

5. Thank Interviewers: A thank-you note or email after the interview portraying your eagerness and appreciation can be a nice touch.

Remember, the interview is not just for the school to learn more about you, but also for you to learn more about the program, faculty, and campus culture. Don't forget to ask your questions!