Summary

The Health Technician (Optometry) at the advanced level demonstrates knowledge of complex examinations and techniques - including advanced color vision testing - advanced perimetry - and advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing. The health technician (optometry) provides advanced triage of patients - as well as patient education and training for complex eye and vision conditions.

Qualifications

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
• English Language Proficiency
• Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 38 U.S.C. 7407(d)
• Experience and Education Experience: One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical assistant (or technician) or health technician
• OR Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related 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 combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above - applicants must meet the following grade requirements
• GS-06 Health Technician (Optometry) Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - to qualify for the GS-06 do you must possess at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05)
• AND GS-06 Knowledge - skills and abilities - that must be clearly demonstrated in your resume: Ability to provide patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions - to include assisting with patient contact lens insertion - removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection) care
• Ability to accurately enter into a phoropter the autorefractometry or habitual refractive prescription (i.e. - eyeglasses prescription) or lensometer findings - including sphere - cylinder and axis
• Ability to perform patient spectacle fitting and dispensing - including selection of appropriate frame - ophthalmic lenses - interpupillary measurements (distance and near) and proper segment height determination - as well as the ability to transpose sphere - cylinder and axis
• Ability to provide basic triage of patient telephone calls or optometry requests
• Knowledge of ophthalmic medications and supplies needed in the process of restocking the eye clinic exam rooms
• GS-07 Health Technician (Optometry) Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements - to qualify for the GS-07 you must possess one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) AND GS-07 Knowledge - skills and abilities - that must be clearly demonstrated in your resume: 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
• 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.)
• Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation - near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near)
• Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures
• Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears
• Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions
• Health Technician (Optometry) GS-8 (Full Performance Level): Experience
• One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities In addition to the experience above - must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to provide patient education and training to manage complex eye and vision conditions
• (b) Knowledge of advanced triage of patients depending upon level of urgency or optometry needs
• (c) Knowledge of complex - non-standard treatment and/or complex examinations and techniques
• (d) Knowledge of ocular pharmacology and systemic medications with ocular side effects
• Preferred Experience: COA Certification (Certified Opthalmic Assistant /Technician) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 8
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 6 to 8
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The technician performs a wide range of optometric tasks in optometric examinations and corrective procedures in support of the professional optometry staff at the VA hospital
• The technician should have an effective working relationship with other clinical personnel in maintaining the efficiency and operation of the optometry clinic
• Major duties include - but are not limited to: Assists in patient care under the direct supervision of the optometrist to include: Conducts initial interviews with patient to gather medical history and information on visual complaints - past eye injuries and family histories of eye diseases
• Examination of the eye by means of automated manual refraction subject to the optometrists' clinical determination of the patient's refractive error
• Instillation of eye drops such as topical anesthetics - mydriatics - cycloplegics - the instillation of eye ointments - and the administration of oral medications
• Evaluation of intraocular pressure and corneal thickness with method indicated by optometrist
• The technician will effectively rotate responsibilities with other technicians to provider support for visual field - optical coherence tomography (OCT) - corneal/scleral topography - photography
• The technician will demonstrate knowledge of instruments - procedures - supplies - and equipment in the optometry clinic and assumes responsibility for their maintenance
• The technician will work with the clinic clerks and optometry staff to assist as needed with administrative tasks such as secure messaging and phoning patients - as well as maintain effective lines of communication within the optometry section - surgical service - and other disciplines
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not eligible for Telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 53947F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized