Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Veterans Health Administration • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Eye Care Center Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration’s VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System provide technical clinical care to patients receiving ophthalmology services for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. This entry-level position is trainee in nature, with limited routine assignments performed under daily direct supervision. Unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to a supervisor for a decision or assistance.

The technician screens and triages patients, assists with clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, educates patients and their legally authorized representatives, and may help train medical students, residents, and fellows at affiliated facilities. The position also involves pupil evaluation, basic refraction, calibration of ophthalmic screening instruments, and obtaining and documenting patients’ medical and ocular histories.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The full performance level is GS-08; the selection grade may range from GS-05 to GS-08. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified candidates cannot be recruited under applicable provisions.
• One year of experience in a health care field, or two years of education above high school with at least six semester hours directly related to health care or an associate degree in a health care-related field, or a qualifying combination of experience and education.
• All applicants must hold Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background and security investigation; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as specified for the appointment.
• For GS-06 consideration: one year of experience equivalent to GS-05 and demonstrated knowledge of outpatient clinical policies and procedures, ability to obtain and document patient demographic and medical information, ability to use basic ophthalmic equipment, and knowledge of basic disinfection of non-critical reusable medical equipment.
• For GS-07 consideration: one year of experience equivalent to GS-06 and demonstrated knowledge of eye anatomy and function, basic ocular pharmacology, and outpatient eye care procedures; ability to use basic ophthalmic diagnostic equipment for preliminary testing, assist with minor extraocular surgery, and provide eye-care patient education.
• For GS-08 consideration: one year of experience equivalent to GS-07 and demonstrated ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation and calculate intraocular lens selection; knowledge of clinic-based ophthalmic surgical assisting, eye anatomy and physiology, medication effects and proper eye instillation, optics, and clinic equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients and triage potentially urgent ocular conditions.
• Assist during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including wound revision, eyelid lesion biopsies, conjunctival or corneal cultures, anterior chamber reformation, hyphema evacuation, repositioning corneal endothelial grafts, intravitreal injections, and laser surgical procedures.
• Educate patients and legally authorized representatives about eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions.
• Assist in educating and training medical students, residents, and fellows at facilities with medical school affiliations.
• Evaluate pupils and record size, shape, symmetry, and reaction to light and accommodation; perform the swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect.
• Perform basic refractometry using an autorefractor or habitual glasses prescription in a phoropter.
• Check and calibrate technical ophthalmology screening instruments.
• Obtain patient physical and ocular histories, including chief complaint, reason for visit, signs and symptoms, medical and family histories, social history, and medication and allergy information.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type and other factors, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed