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Optical Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Associate information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical associate, and how do they collaborate with optometrists and other team members?

Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers with frame selection, explaining lens options, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and processing sales transactions. They work closely with optometrists by preparing patients for eye exams, managing patient records, and ensuring a seamless handoff between the exam and eyewear selection. Collaboration with lab technicians and other associates is also essential to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of eyewear orders. This team-oriented environment helps maintain a high level of customer service and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Optical Associate vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance prospectsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, eyewear clinics, optical departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, measuring for glasses, helping with frame selectionFabricating, repairing, and adjusting lenses and frames

Optical Associates typically work directly with customers in retail settings, focusing on sales and customer service, while Optical Technicians work behind the scenes in labs, handling lens fabrication and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of eyewear and customer interaction, but differ mainly in technical versus sales responsibilities.

What is an optical associate?

Optical Associates are professionals who assist customers in optical stores or eye care clinics. They help clients select eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform basic vision screenings, and provide information about frame styles, lens options, and insurance coverage. Optical Associates also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing payments, and maintaining patient records. They play an important role in ensuring customers have a positive experience when purchasing eyewear and receiving eye care services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic optical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens measurement tools, and sometimes certification such as ABO-NCLE can be beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate optical dispensing, positive customer experiences, and efficient workflow in a retail or clinical eye care environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Optical Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Optical Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Optical Sales Associate - Willing to Train!

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology

Holland, MI • On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Grand Rapids Ophthalmology rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company: Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Job Title: 
Optician
Department: Ophthalmology
Supervisor Title: Clinic Manager
Location: Holland, MI 
SUMMARY

An Optician will achieve a world-class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while supporting the patients' medical needs. This employee is trained to dispense and fit glasses and contacts, working from the prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.  They connect the patient needs to the goods and services we offer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Embrace and execute our Total Patient Experience to build relationships with all patients while delivering great medical support
  • Determine patients' wants and needs and sell to exceed their expectations
  • Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions
  • Operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometer
  • Educate and recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to suit patient needs
  • Accurately collect measurements such as bridge, eye size, temple length, seg heights, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and pantoscopic tilt
  • Dispense patient orders and repair and adjust patient frames
  • Dispense all glasses and/or contact lens orders in E360
  • Ensure all job aids and policies are followed
  • Maintain frame standards with cleaning and organization of fully stocked and well-presented areas
  • Follow all protocols to keep frame inventory accurate
  • General office duties and cleaning to be assigned by manager
  • Assist with other duties in the office as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret insurance forms
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
  • HIPAA: All Associates must comply with the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as it pertains to disclosures of protected health information (PHI) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and HIPPA Privacy Policies and Procedures

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • One year in a customer interactive position; or equivalent combination of education and experience

LICENSES AND CREDENTIALS 

  • Current ABO/ABOC and NCLE certifications (or obtained with first 2 years of employment) preferred

SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY  

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
     

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions. The position involves frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25-50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential, as the role demands constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity-including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus-is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary. 

If you need assistance with this application, please contact (636) 227-2600. Please do not contact the office directly - only resumes submitted through this website will be considered.

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.


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