Eye Care Assistant

Company 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. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

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:

Eye Care Assistants are essential members of the ophthalmology team, performing a dynamic mix of administrative and clinical duties that directly impact patient care and outcomes. Working collaboratively under the direction of a licensed ophthalmologist, you'll combine technical expertise with compassionate patient interaction. You'll take on diverse responsibilities—from conducting diagnostic testing and preparing patients for examination to assisting in surgical procedures—all while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety. As an ophthalmic allied health professional, you'll develop specialized skills in eye care while supporting the physician's clinical decision-making and patient education efforts.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patient Assessment & History Taking: Build rapport with patients by obtaining comprehensive medical and ocular histories, including chief complaints, medications, allergies, and relevant health information. Accurately document findings using approved medical abbreviations and protocols and support the physician through medical scribing when needed.
• Visual Acuity & Refraction Testing: Conduct thorough visual acuity assessments (near and far, with and without correction), including specialized tests such as pinhole acuity, glare testing, and potential acuity measurements. Perform refractometry and enter spectacle data to support precise clinical evaluations.
• Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Execute a range of specialized diagnostic procedures including lensometry, visual field testing (confrontation and automated), tonometry using multiple techniques, color vision assessment, pupil evaluation, and anterior chamber depth estimation. Utilize automated refractors and keratometers to gather critical diagnostic data.
• Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Demonstrate expert aseptic technique while measuring intraocular pressure using non-contact, digital, and Goldmann applanation tonometers. Maintain equipment calibration and accuracy to ensure reliable clinical data.
• Surgical Support & Instrument Management: Prepare and assist with non-refractive laser procedures (argon, YAG) and minor surgical interventions. Set up sterile instrument trays, disinfect lenses and surgical instruments to OSHA standards, and maintain a well-organized surgical environment that supports optimal patient outcomes.
• Contact Lens Services: Provide expert guidance on contact lens selection, insertion, removal, and care. Take detailed contact lens histories, perform visual acuity assessments with lenses, conduct trial fittings, manage inventory, and coordinate orders based on physician specifications.
• Patient Care & Education: Apply and remove eye dressings and shields, instill medications as directed, and recognize potential adverse reactions. Educate patients on diagnostic procedures and post-care instructions, empowering them to actively participate in their eye health journey.
• Equipment Excellence & Maintenance: Care for, maintain, and troubleshoot exam room equipment to ensure optimal functionality. Maintain detailed records and repair logs, manage supply inventory, and protect instruments—contributing to a seamless clinical environment.
• Clinical Communication & Coordination: Utilize HFHS systems (phone, computer, email, fax) to coordinate patient flow, manage appointments, and prepare charts according to physician protocol. Respond promptly to communications and escalate care management issues to ensure continuity of care.
• Additional Clinical Duties: Perform other related clinical and administrative duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the ophthalmology practice.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Position requires a high level of initiative and the flexibility to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Visual/hearing/verbal requirements: The ability to see details of objects at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand during test procedures, in taking patient histories, and in performing tests on patients.
• The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects Manual dexterity is required to operate various equipment in the performance of duties. Attention to detail necessary due to the exacting nature of the position. Ability to find information and identify essential information in managing patient information.

Additional Information

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in a patient care environment with possible exposure to infectious diseases.