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Optometry Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Optometric Technician

Grandville, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

Optometric Technician

Grandville, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

The major responsibility of the Optometric Office Technician is to assist the Managing Optometrist in the technical and administrative operation of an optometric practice. The position will interact ...

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Optometry Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$15

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How much do optometry assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometry assistant in Michigan is $15.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optometry assistant?

Optometry assistants are healthcare professionals who support optometrists in providing eye care services to patients. Their responsibilities typically include performing preliminary vision tests, assisting with patient scheduling, handling administrative tasks, and helping patients select eyewear. They may also maintain and clean examination equipment and ensure patient records are up to date. Optometry assistants play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of an optometry practice and enhancing patient experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometry assistant?

To thrive as an Optometry Assistant, you need a basic understanding of eye care practices, familiarity with medical terminology, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of optometry-specific software (such as electronic health records), lensometers, autorefractors, and insurance billing systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask help you excel in assisting both patients and optometrists. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient patient care, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring a smooth workflow in an optometric practice.

What are some common challenges faced by optometry assistants during patient pre-testing, and how can they be managed?

Optometry Assistants often face challenges such as managing anxious or uncooperative patients during pre-testing procedures and ensuring accurate data collection for the optometrist. To address these, assistants can develop strong communication skills to explain procedures clearly and help patients feel at ease. Staying organized and familiar with the latest equipment also helps minimize errors. Regular training and teamwork with optometrists and fellow staff can further enhance efficiency and confidence in managing these situations.

What is the difference between Optometry Assistant vs Optometry Technician?

AspectOptometry AssistantOptometry Technician
CredentialsUsually no formal certification required, on-the-job trainingOften requires certification or diploma in optometry assisting or related field
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care officesSimilar clinics, may perform more technical tasks
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with patient check-in, preparing exam rooms, basic patient carePerforming preliminary tests, operating diagnostic equipment, assisting with exams
Industry UsageCommonly employed in eye care practicesLess common, more specialized technical role within optometry

Optometry Assistants primarily handle administrative tasks and basic patient care, while Optometry Technicians perform more technical testing and diagnostic procedures. Both roles are essential in eye care settings, but Technicians typically require additional training or certification.

How do I become an optometry assistant?

To become an optometry assistant, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and may complete on-the-job training or a certification program. Skills in customer service, basic medical knowledge, and familiarity with optical equipment are beneficial for this role.

What do optometry assistants do?

Optometry assistants support eye care professionals by preparing exam rooms, assisting with patient check-in and history collection, performing basic vision tests, and handling administrative tasks. They often use ophthalmic equipment and need good communication skills to ensure smooth clinic operations. Certification or training in eye care procedures can enhance job prospects.

What qualifications do you need to be an optometry assistant?

Optometry assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some employers prefer post-secondary coursework in health sciences. On-the-job training is common, and skills in customer service, basic computer use, and knowledge of optometry procedures are beneficial. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.

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

The most popular types of Optometry jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Optometry Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Optometry Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optometry Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Optometry Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Optometry Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Optometry Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Optometry Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,218 per year, or $15 per hour.

Optometric Assistant/ Paraoptometric

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers

Bay City, MI • On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Great Lakes Bay Health Centers rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Patient Preparation: Reviews patient's past medical/ocular history and prepares charts prior to patient appointments. Reviews referral/consult notes and adds pertinent information into patient's notes. (10%)

Patient Intake: Obtains patient's vitals and visual acuity. Gathers patient information including chief complaint and completing a thorough history of present illness. (25%)

Pre-Testing/Patient Care: Performs appropriate pre-testing on patients based on presenting concern. Pre-tests include autorefraction, rebound tonometry, extraocular movements, lensometry, pupillary function, and confrontation visual fields. Other pre-testing elements as directed by provider. Administers diagnostic drops as directed and educates patients on side effects. (35%)

Special Testing: Obtains imaging and performs testing as ordered. This includes macular/nerve OCT, visual fields, and fundus photography. (10%)

Referrals: Places and tracks external referrals for surgical pre-testing and consults. Tracks status of referrals and obtains reports once available. (5%)

Patient Education: Provides limited patient education as directed by optometrist. Assist other support staff in triaging and scheduling concerns. (5%)

Clinical Environment/Equipment: Maintains organization of exam rooms and other clinical areas. Cleans and disinfects instrumentation in accordance of infection control guidelines. Maintains sample cabinet inventory. Orders contact lens trial prescriptions and solutions as needed. (10%)

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

Performs other duties as directed to ensure the efficiency of the vision services department.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Licensure: Active BLS certification. Entry level paraoptometric or certified ophthalmic assistant certification preferred.

Experience: One (1) year of experience as optometric assistant, ophthalmic assistant, or paraoptometric preferred.

Skills: Possess basic knowledge and skills appropriate for optometric care. Telephone and computer skills necessary. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Maintains universal precautions. Flexible in accepting work assignments. Self-motivated.

Interpersonal Skills: Ability to seek and utilize supervision appropriately. Ability to communicate with a diverse patient population. Maintain patient confidentiality as defined by HIPPA regulations.

Physical Effort: Must be able to sit, stand, and or walk for an entire workday. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, and or twist while holding up to 25 lbs. occasionally.

Hours of Work: Full-time; flexible and varied. Evening hours may be required. Regular and timely attendance required. Telecommuting not an option for this position.

Travel: Not a requirement for this position. If needed, reimbursement for expenses consistent with GLBHC policy.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Qualifications

Education: High School or better.

Experience: 1 year: Experience as an Optometric Assistant or Ophthalmic Assistant


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