Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
36000 - Optometry Deans Office
Advertised Salary:
$44,335-$46,335; Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
The Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University is seeking a patient-focused optician to provide high-quality optical care to patients at the University Eye Center. The optician will also provide assistance to Michigan College of Optometry students as they develop their opticianry and ophthalmic skills and operational support to the optical fabrication lab.
The anticipated start date for this position is July 2026; however, this is an estimate and may be revised if needed.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F1 EAD’s, OPT, H1B, etc.
Required Education:
AAS degree in opticianry or equivalent experience in lieu of degree
The listed requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Equivalency for education is two years of full-time related work experience equals one year of education.
Required Work Experience:
2 years' experience working as an optician or in the optical field. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be familiar with Word and Excel.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
ABO certification or eligible to receive certification.
If no certification, must obtain within six months of employment
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Compulink Eyecare software program knowledge preferred
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist Optometry students in development of their opticianry skills, including orientation to newly assigned clinical students.
Evaluate optometric students working with patients in the clinic dispensary.
Assist patients and students in the selection of ophthalmic frame.
Consult with patients and students in their selection of appropriate lens materials and various options, adjust and align frames, instruct patients in the correct use and proper care of their eyewear and low-vision aids, including deliveries and repairs.
Verify ophthalmic prescriptions, schedule dispensing appointments, and contact patients by phone, email, and/or US Mail.
Assist in maintaining frame inventory, including selection, ordering, labeling and pricing, including maintaining financial accountability of inventory.
Continue to maintain professional development within area of responsibility and assist faculty and staff as needed.
Assist in the optical fabrication laboratory including ordering supplies, managing job flow, and the fabrication of lenses.
Apply working knowledge of insurance policies and benefits in order to assist patients in the selection of eyewear.
Provide quality patient care services within the dispensary area for the University Eye Center, Michigan College of Optometry. Provide departmental assistance to MCO students in developing their Opticianry and ophthalmic skills and abilities along with operational support for a variety of clinic functions including inventory, purchasing, pricing, running various reports, answering phones, calling patients, frame selections, adjustment of frames, verification of lenses, repairs, etc.
Reports directly to the Clinic Operations Manager.
Responsible for assistance in training optical employees within the area of responsibility.
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Perform occasional ophthalmic services for off-campus patrons.
Skills and Abilities:
Communicates effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
Provides ophthalmic lens fabrication and dispensing.
Works with a variety of diverse individuals, maintaining excellent customer service skills.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Certification/License
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial transcript 1: Applicants who have an opticianry degree must attach a copy of their unofficial transcript. If you do not have a transcript, please write a justification explaining how your work experience is equivalent to the required education and attach that justification in lieu of the transcript.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
June 29, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
