OPT Optometry Assistant Jobs
Optometry Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in health sciences, biology, or a related field. Most roles involve patient intake, pre-testing, and clinical support under a licensed optometrist, giving you hands-on healthcare experience that counts toward your authorized OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Classification
FT Optometry Faculty
Position Summary
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry invites applications for full-time faculty positions. We welcome a diverse group of applicants with interests in primary care, ocular disease, low vision, contact lenses, vision science, or other specialties who are passionate about teaching and mentoring future optometrists in a collaborative, student-centered, and community-focused environment.
Candidates may contribute to clinical instruction, didactic teaching, research, or a combination of these areas, depending on experience and professional interests. Faculty rank will be determined commensurate with qualifications and experience. Early career optometrists will find robust faculty mentorship, onboarding support, and professional development opportunities designed to foster long-term success in academic optometry.
The program is located in Novi, Michigan, a vibrant and welcoming suburban community in Metro Detroit. Novi offers excellent schools, diverse dining, abundant recreation, and affordable living relative to many major metropolitan areas. Its proximity to Detroit provides convenient access to world-class cultural institutions, professional sports, and a thriving healthcare and research ecosystem. Novi is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the United States.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-
Shape the next generation of optometrists through engaging, high-impact teaching and mentorship across didactic, laboratory, and clinical education settings, aligned with program needs and expertise.
-
Participate in the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of courses, including development of syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments.
-
Provide timely, constructive, and appropriate feedback to students to support academic and professional development.
-
Participate in the clinical training and supervision of student interns, fostering clinical competence and professionalism.
-
Engage in scholarly activity appropriate to assigned faculty rank and career goals, which may include educational scholarship, clinical research, or professional dissemination.
-
Maintain active participation in local, state, and national optometric organizations, contributing to the profession and staying current with evolving standards of care.
-
Actively participate in program, school, and university committees in support of the mission and goals of the School of Optometry.
-
Foster supportive, professional, and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
-
Adopt and advance the mission and goals of the School of Optometry and the University.
-
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the continued growth and success of the School of Optometry.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Education – A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited institution.
-
Experience – Completion of an ACOE accredited residency or 3 years of clinical experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior teaching and/or research experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-
Attention to detail and the ability to work with a team in a fast-paced environment
-
Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines in an efficient manner
-
Computer proficiency, specifically with MS Office and aptitude to learn new computer applications
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-
Excellent interpersonal skills
-
Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed and in good standing or eligible for optometry licensure in the state of Michigan.
Salary/Pay Information
Starting annual salary of $120,000, with higher compensation commensurate with experience.
Anticipated Schedule
The position is available immediately, with a start date as soon as possible or as mutually agreed upon. Faculty assignments determined by program needs, faculty experience, and professional interests.
Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
Medical
- Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
Dental
- Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
- Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
- The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
Vision
- Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
- Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
- $35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
- Contact Lens Exam starting at $70
- 50% off Optical Frames
- 25% off Sun Frames
- 30% off Prescription Lenses
- 20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
- Cannot be combined with insurance
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Employee Assistance Program
- Provided to everyone in your household
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Life and AD& D
-
One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
-
Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
Retirement Plan
- Employees have a choice of the following: Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
Position Classification
FT Optometry Faculty
Position Summary
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry invites applications for full-time faculty positions. We welcome a diverse group of applicants with interests in primary care, ocular disease, low vision, contact lenses, vision science, or other specialties who are passionate about teaching and mentoring future optometrists in a collaborative, student-centered, and community-focused environment.
Candidates may contribute to clinical instruction, didactic teaching, research, or a combination of these areas, depending on experience and professional interests. Faculty rank will be determined commensurate with qualifications and experience. Early career optometrists will find robust faculty mentorship, onboarding support, and professional development opportunities designed to foster long-term success in academic optometry.
The program is located in Novi, Michigan, a vibrant and welcoming suburban community in Metro Detroit. Novi offers excellent schools, diverse dining, abundant recreation, and affordable living relative to many major metropolitan areas. Its proximity to Detroit provides convenient access to world-class cultural institutions, professional sports, and a thriving healthcare and research ecosystem. Novi is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the United States.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-
Shape the next generation of optometrists through engaging, high-impact teaching and mentorship across didactic, laboratory, and clinical education settings, aligned with program needs and expertise.
-
Participate in the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of courses, including development of syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments.
-
Provide timely, constructive, and appropriate feedback to students to support academic and professional development.
-
Participate in the clinical training and supervision of student interns, fostering clinical competence and professionalism.
-
Engage in scholarly activity appropriate to assigned faculty rank and career goals, which may include educational scholarship, clinical research, or professional dissemination.
-
Maintain active participation in local, state, and national optometric organizations, contributing to the profession and staying current with evolving standards of care.
-
Actively participate in program, school, and university committees in support of the mission and goals of the School of Optometry.
-
Foster supportive, professional, and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
-
Adopt and advance the mission and goals of the School of Optometry and the University.
-
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the continued growth and success of the School of Optometry.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Education – A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited institution.
-
Experience – Completion of an ACOE accredited residency or 3 years of clinical experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior teaching and/or research experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
-
Attention to detail and the ability to work with a team in a fast-paced environment
-
Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines in an efficient manner
-
Computer proficiency, specifically with MS Office and aptitude to learn new computer applications
-
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-
Excellent interpersonal skills
-
Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality
Physical Requirements
Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed and in good standing or eligible for optometry licensure in the state of Michigan.
Salary/Pay Information
Starting annual salary of $120,000, with higher compensation commensurate with experience.
Anticipated Schedule
The position is available immediately, with a start date as soon as possible or as mutually agreed upon. Faculty assignments determined by program needs, faculty experience, and professional interests.
Benefits
At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:
Medical
- Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
Dental
- Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
- Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
- The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.
Vision
- Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
- Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
- $35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
- Contact Lens Exam starting at $70
- 50% off Optical Frames
- 25% off Sun Frames
- 30% off Prescription Lenses
- 20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
- Cannot be combined with insurance
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Employee Assistance Program
- Provided to everyone in your household
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Life and AD& D
-
One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars
-
Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance
Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children
Retirement Plan
- Employees have a choice of the following: Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.
Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Optometry Assistant
Target independent optometry practices
Private practices are often more flexible about hiring OPT students than large retail chains. They make hiring decisions in-house, which means you can speak directly with the decision-maker about your work authorization without going through a corporate HR process.
Lead with your OPT end date, not your visa status
When reaching out to employers, frame it as availability: tell them you're authorized to work through a specific date. Avoid leading with the word 'visa.' Employers respond better to confident, concrete timelines than to immigration terminology they may not understand.
Highlight clinical pre-testing skills explicitly
OPT students who can perform tonometry, visual acuity testing, or lensometry stand out immediately. List every instrument and procedure you've trained on. Practices want someone who reduces chair time for the optometrist from day one.
Get your CPR and BLS certification before applying
Many optometry offices require or strongly prefer CPR and Basic Life Support certification. Having it before your first interview removes a common hiring objection and signals that you're ready to work in a clinical environment with minimal onboarding.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like biology or health informatics, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before interviewing so you can accurately tell employers how long you're authorized to work.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly optometry employers
Browsing Migrate Mate filters roles by OPT authorization compatibility, saving you the time of applying to practices that won't consider work-authorized candidates. Focus your applications where employers have already indicated openness to sponsorship or OPT hiring.
Optometry Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Optometry Assistant on F-1 OPT?
Yes. If your degree is in a field related to optometry, health sciences, or biology, working as an Optometry Assistant is a valid use of your OPT period. The role must be directly related to your major area of study. Your Designated School Official can confirm that the position qualifies before you accept an offer.
Do Optometry Assistant jobs typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Most small and independent optometry practices do not routinely sponsor H-1B visas because the process involves legal fees and administrative burden that smaller employers often avoid. Larger vision care networks or hospital-affiliated practices are more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsorship. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have shown a history of sponsoring work visas for clinical support roles.
Does an Optometry Assistant role qualify as a STEM OPT job?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If you graduated with a degree in biology, neuroscience, health informatics, or another STEM-designated field, your position may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role must also meet the employer's formal training plan requirements and be reported through your school. Confirm your eligibility with your DSO before applying.
How many hours per week can I work as an Optometry Assistant on OPT?
During your post-completion OPT period, you must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status. There is no maximum hour cap, so full-time employment is permitted and common for clinical roles. If you're in your pre-completion OPT period while still enrolled, you're limited to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
What happens to my OPT if my Optometry Assistant job ends?
You can be unemployed for a maximum of 90 cumulative days during your OPT period without violating your F-1 status. If you lose your position, you need to find a new qualifying role within that window or risk falling out of status. Report any change in employment to your DSO immediately and use Migrate Mate to find a replacement role as quickly as possible.