Career Center

Optometry Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration have both clinical and administrative responsibilities. Technicians assist optometrists in the delivery of eye care, pre-testing, ocular imaging and testing, ready exam rooms, clinic management, ordering and verification of contact lenses and the training of patients regarding contact lens care. Technicians also assist with the education of residents/students. RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES AUTHORIZED For Livermore Location, only. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Experience and Education. Experience. One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or by demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field; OR Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant or associate degree, or completion of an independent study course in an optometry related technician or assistant field; OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge of optometry assistant theory and practices and general understanding of the health technician/assistant duties and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant related courses. (b) Successful completion of a course for health care technicians or assistants, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training in a program given by the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or the U.S. Public Health Service, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None. Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/trademark/registration/certification. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Health Technicians (Optometry) who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Physical Requirements. Must pass a pre-employment physical. English Language Proficiency. Health Technician (Optometry) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met. Health Technician (Optometry), GS-08 Experience. One year of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide patient education and training to manage complex eye and vision conditions. Knowledge of advanced triage of patients depending upon level of urgency or optometry needs. Knowledge of complex, non-standard treatment and/or complex examinations and techniques. Knowledge of ocular pharmacology and systemic medications with ocular side effects. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher level duties must be of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the health technicians (optometry) perform difficult and responsible ophthalmic technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The health technicians (optometry) perform duties such as advanced color vision testing, advanced perimetry including both automated and manual techniques, advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing (e.g., anterior segment optical coherence tomography, advanced ultrasonography, confocal microscopy, electro-diagnostic testing, etc.), advanced patient education and training and vision rehabilitation services. Preferred Experience: Experience as an eye health technician, which includes the ability to: perform ophthalmic testing, administer eye drops, recognize ocular concerns, manage clinic efficiency and flow, and perform data collection, tracking, and analysis. References: A Handbook 5005/142 Part II Appendix G68, April 9, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion, such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stopping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, boxes, equipment, and assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. ["The Optometry Health Technician will perform the following duties in support of the mission of the Surgical Service:Clinical Duties: Checks and performs calibration of technical optometric screening instruments; Instills eye medications; Neutralizes eyeglasses; Verifies contact lenses; Performs auto-refraction/keratometry; Performs automated visual field testing; Performs external photographs and fundus photography; Performs optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment, retina, and optic nerve; Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions; Orders eyeglasses and contact lenses; Assists in the education and training of optometry students and residents; Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection, calibration, and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment. Administrative Responsibilities:The incumbent works collaboratively with the optometry staff and surgical service administration to: Assists with management of optometry clinic operations; Maximizes clinic function; Participates in completing projects to improve care or clinic function as assigned by the Optometry Chief and other optometry staff; Orders supplies and equipment, obtains quotes as needed; Assists with annual inventory; Reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering; Assists in managing contact lens clinic; Communicates with patients via phone and secure messaging; Manages secure messaging; Manages faxes. Quality Management Responsibilities: Prepares and readies clinics for inspections; Completes required trainings and other required trainings as assigned by the Optometry Chief; Participates as requested in addressing Veteran related complaints/issues. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Approved For Livermore Location, only.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]