Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
About The Position
This position supports Ophthalmologists in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up care of patients, as well as patient counseling. At the GS-0640-8 full-performance level, the technician works with a high degree of independence under the general supervision of an Ophthalmologist or Chief Lead Technician. The role performs standard but highly complex diagnostic procedures, assists with clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, educates patients and their legal representatives, and may assist with training medical students, residents, and fellows. The technician performs ophthalmic screening and diagnostic testing, assists with surgical procedures, and helps maintain clinic instruments, supplies, and equipment. The position follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 0800 to 1630 EST. Telework and virtual work are not available.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or higher certification through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision for eligible current VHA employees.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation.
- Ability to calculate intraocular lens selection.
- Knowledge of clinic-based ophthalmic surgical assisting.
- Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology.
- Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye.
- Knowledge of optics.
- Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or examination.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel member.
- Must complete applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation and onboarding; selected applicants are subject to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
- Must complete a one- or two-year trial period if appointed, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
Responsibilities
- Check and calibrate technical ophthalmology screening instruments.
- Obtain and document patient histories, complaints, symptoms, medications, allergies, and relevant ocular, medical, family, and social history.
- Test distance and near visual acuity with and without correction or pinhole.
- Measure eyeglass prescriptions using a manual or automated lensometer and record sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism.
- Evaluate pupils, document their characteristics and responses, and perform the swinging light test for relative afferent pupillary defect.
- Perform basic refractometry using an autorefractor or habitual eyeglass prescription in a phoropter.
- Instill ophthalmic medications, including anesthetic, dye, dilating, cycloplegic, and antibiotic drops or ointments.
- Measure intraocular pressure, including with Goldmann applanation tonometry.
- Perform pachymetry and manual keratometry or automated corneal topography.
- Perform intraocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device.
- Perform automated visual field testing using various perimetry techniques.
- Perform external photography and fundus photography.
- Perform optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina, and optic nerve.
- Screen and triage potentially urgent ocular conditions.
- Assist with clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including wound revisions, eyelid lesion biopsies, conjunctival or corneal cultures, anterior chamber reformation, hyphema evacuation, corneal endothelial graft repositioning, intravitreal injections, and laser procedures.
- Educate patients and legally authorized representatives about eye care and preoperative and postoperative instructions.
- Assist with education and training for medical students, residents, and fellows at facilities affiliated with medical schools.
- Clean, disinfect, calibrate, maintain, and back up equipment; conduct annual inventory; order instruments and supplies; obtain quotes as needed; and report repair needs to biomedical engineering.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
- Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
