Optometric Assistant

Henry Ford Health; Clinton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 28,930,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Michigan is seeking an Optometric Assistant to join our clinical team. You will perform advanced preliminary testing, assist doctors during exams, document patient chief complaints, histories, and eyewear prescriptions, and help coordinate with eyewear consultants to ensure a smooth visit.

This role emphasizes patient education on contact lens wear, accurate record-keeping, and a strong service orientation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic math and computer experience preferred.
• Customer service or optometric tech experience preferred.
• EMR knowledge preferred.
• Retail or hospitality/customer service experience preferred.
• Must be able to walk, bend and stand for extended periods and complete training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive preliminary testing including auto refraction, IOP and acuity assessments.
• Document patient histories, chief complaints, and eyewear prescriptions precisely.
• Coordinate with eyewear consultants, dispensers and customer service for continuity of care.
• Educate patients on contact lens selection, handling, wear schedules and care.
• Interpret prescriptions and suggest products addressing patient needs.
• Manage appointment scheduling and maintain test/documentation time allocations.
• Address patient questions with empathy and escalate when needed.
• Complete all departmental training and continuing education requirements.

Skills

Customer service

Computer literacy

Optometric tech experience

EMR familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

Join our clinical team and make a meaningful difference in patients' vision and eye health. As an Optometric Assistant, you'll work alongside our doctors to deliver comprehensive visual and medical exams, perform advanced preliminary testing, and provide exceptional patient education. This role combines technical expertise with genuine patient care, offering you the opportunity to develop specialized optometric skills while directly impacting patient outcomes.

PRINCIPAL DUTUES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive preliminary testing including auto refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, visual acuity assessment, motility testing, pupil evaluation, confrontation fields, anterior chamber angle assessment, and dilation—building a strong foundation for accurate clinical diagnoses.
• Create detailed electronic medical records by documenting patient chief complaints, medical and medication histories, social history, and current eyewear and contact lens prescriptions with precision and attention to detail.
• Guide patients through their exam experience with professionalism and care, seamlessly coordinating with eyewear consultants, dispensers, and customer service teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Educate patients on contact lens selection, proper handling techniques, wearing schedules, and care protocols—empowering them to make informed decisions about their eye health.
• Interpret prescriptions and recommend products and enhancements that address individual patient needs, demonstrating your growing clinical knowledge.
• Manage appointment scheduling efficiently, consistently meeting time allocations for preliminary testing and documentation to maintain smooth clinic operations.
• Address patient questions and concerns with empathy and professionalism, escalating complex issues to appropriate team members when needed.
• Complete all departmental training programs and continuing education requirements to stay current with best practices and expand your optometric expertise.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Requires high school diploma or GED
• Previous computer experience and basic math skills preferred
• Previous customer service or optometric tech experience preferred.
• Computer and/or electronic medical records knowledge preferred.
• Retail and/or hospitality and/or customer service experience preferred.
• Must be able to walk, bend and stand for extended periods of time Completion of all required training courses as directed by Henry Ford Optimeyes
• Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS’ Customer Service Policy
• Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

Additional Information

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in a retail optical environment.
• Requires evening and weekend hours.