Career Center

Optometry Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration(VHA)support Optometrists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education. (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Specialized Experience: Must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-6) in the Federal Service that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the Health Technician. Specialized experience includes: Experience working with an Optometrist preparing patients for examinations. Triages patient phone calls or requests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies and cleaned; instructs patients on administration of eye drops; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils; performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid and manual and automated equipment). Performs basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external and fundus photography; anterior and posterior segment tomography; performs basic ocular testing such as intraocular pressure measurement, pachymetry, tear production with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using both automated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders. Measures visual acuity and can perform autorefraction to help determine spectacle prescription. References: VA Handbook 5005/142 Part II Appendix G68 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 7. Physical Demands The work requires walking, standing, sitting, bending, and helping patients into and out of the examination chairs. Working Conditions The work is performed in an clinical setting with adequate lighting and other facilities with no unusual health hazards. The incumbent observes normal safety precautions. ["Optometry Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Optometrists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Full Performance Health Technician (Optometry) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, assists during clinic-based surgical procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, assists with the education of medical students and residents. The Full Performance Health Technician (Optometry) may perform many \"direct patient care services\" under the supervision of Optometrists. Interviews and screens patients (to include chief complaint and history of present illness, pain status, past ophthalmic and medical history including allergies/medications) prior to being seen by an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Obtains visual acuity using Snellen acuity chart (with and without glasses). Assesses for anterior chamber depth, color vision, confrontation fields, pupil size, pupil reaction to light, and afferent papillary defect. Obtains refraction using automated refraction equipment along with manual refraction Obtains manifest refraction Instills diagnostic eye drops as ordered Performs visual field testing in accordance with Optometrist/Ophthalmologist orders Teaches new patients how to care for and wear contact lens. Performs user-level maintenance by the manufacturers of complex ophthalmic instruments and equipment, such as visual acuity projectors, muscle lights, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes, lensometers, slit lamps and keratometers. Inventories, replaces and orders equipment and ophthalmic supplies for the clinic. Cleans and supplies examining rooms used in patient care. Assists MSA with patient appointments, inquiries, and records on a back-up or as needed basis. Obtains readings from IOL master, pachymeter, keratometer, topographer, as ordered by physician. Collects appropriate patient demographics and pertinent historical information to populate the imager template. Photographs the anterior and posterior retina Serves as a liaison between image readers, primary care providers, eye care providers, patients and other VA personnel. Must be alert to patient's physical/mental needs, e.g., low blood sugar or stress of significant systemic/ocular disease and take appropriate action. Assumes continuing responsibility for the safe collection, set up, use, pre-cleaning, and transportation for all reusable medical equipment (RME) utilized in patient care in accordance with all applicable VHA Directives, local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and manufacturer's instructions. This equipment is categorized as critical items, semi-critical items, or non-critical items according to the degree of risk for infection transmission associated with its use. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]

Return to Search Results