Optometric Assistant

Henry Ford Health; Shelby Township (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Michigan seeks an Optometric Assistant to join our clinical team and contribute to world-class eye care. You will perform advanced preliminary testing, support doctors during exams, and provide patient education to improve outcomes.

In this role you will document medical histories, coordinate with eyewear staff, and help manage appointments to ensure smooth clinic operations and excellent patient experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous customer service or optometric tech experience preferred.
• Computer and/or EMR knowledge preferred.
• Retail, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
• Willingness to complete training and adhere to service standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors with comprehensive exams and preliminary testing.
• Document patient information and medical histories in EMR with accuracy.
• Guide patients through the exam process and coordinate with eyewear staff.
• Educate patients on contact lens care and product options.
• Interpret prescriptions and suggest suitable products.
• Schedule appointments and manage testing time allocations.
• Address patient questions empathetically and escalate when needed.
• Complete required training to stay current with best practices.

Skills

Customer service

Optometric tech experience

Computer experience

Basic math skills

Retail/Hospitality experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) knowledge

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.