Optometric Assistant

Henry Ford Health; Royal Oak (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Michigan is seeking an Optometric Assistant to support doctors in comprehensive eye exams and patient education. You will perform preliminary testing, document EMR data, and coordinate with eyewear teams to ensure seamless care.

The role emphasizes patient-facing service, technical testing, and ongoing training to grow optometric skills while contributing to outcomes and clinic efficiency.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive preliminary testing including auto refraction, IOP, visual acuity, motility, pupil eval, and dilation.
• Create detailed electronic medical records documenting patient histories and prescriptions.
• Guide patients through exam with professionalism, coordinating with eyewear consultants and staff.
• Educate patients on contact lens selection, handling, and wear schedules.
• Interpret prescriptions and recommend products to meet patient needs.
• Manage appointment scheduling and ensure timely testing and documentation.
• Address patient questions empathetically and escalate complex issues as needed.
• Complete required training and continuing education to stay current.

Skills

Customer service

Optometric tech

EMR knowledge

Basic math

Computer experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

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.

Qualifications

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.