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The VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System is currently recruiting for one Health Technician (Optometry). Optometry Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have both clinical and administrative responsibilities. They assist optometrists in the delivery of eye care. They perform functions that include, but are not limited to, pre-testing, ocular imaging and testing, ready exam rooms, and clinic management. They assist with the education of optometry residents and students. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. (1) 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. (2) 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: (a) Ability to determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction. (b) Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues (e.g., measurement of vertex distance, base curve, prism correction, center thickness, slab off, Fresnel prism, decentration, etc.). (c) Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation, near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near). (d) Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures. (e) Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears. (f) Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions. There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["Clinical: - Checks and performs calibration of technical optometric screening instruments - Instills eye medications (drops or ointment)- Neutralize eyeglasses - Verify 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 - Order 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 - Maximize clinic function (patient flow, equipment status, etc.) - Participate 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 - Assist in managing contact lens clinic (orders, lens verification, communication with patients, etc.) - Communicates with patients via phone and secure messaging - Manages secure messaging - Manage faxes - Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Telework: Not allowed Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Optometry)/PD21X50A Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light Items, such as packages and books, generally of not more than 25 pounds."]

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