Health Technician (Optometry)

Veterans Health Administration • Brunswick, GA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The GS-7 Health Technician (Optometry) provides independent optician services at the Charleston VAMC. This non-supervisory position supports Optometry clinical operations and promotes quality eyewear, clinic efficiency, Veteran satisfaction, and interdisciplinary coordination. The technician performs optical measurements, prescription fitting and verification, eyewear repairs and adjustments, patient education, and clinical support. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may change based on agency needs. Occasional travel between the assigned community-based outpatient clinic and other clinics associated with the Ralph H. Johnson hospital is required. Telework and virtual work are not available.

Requirements

• Meet the basic qualification requirement through one year of health technician or health care assistant experience; or qualifying education, including two academic years above high school with at least 12 related semester hours, an associate degree, or an optometry-related independent study course; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• For GS-7, have one year of experience comparable to the next lower level demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the position.
• Demonstrate the ability to determine a preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, excluding the patient's final subjective refraction.
• Demonstrate the ability to triage walk-in optical issues and resolve minor concerns independently.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform complex optical measurements using digital or manual instruments.
• Demonstrate the ability to repair and adjust eyewear and dispense it to ensure fit, function, and satisfaction.
• Demonstrate the ability to support Optometry clinical workflow, including pre-exam readiness and imaging preparation.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently verify prescriptions, reconcile spectacle orders, and resolve discrepancies before fabrication.
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education related to eye health and/or vision conditions.
• Be a U.S. citizen, subject to stated exceptions under VA policy, and proficient in spoken and written English.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing for tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions, physical evaluation, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Complete required onboarding and application documentation and serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of hands-on experience in optical dispensing or ophthalmic/optical support.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience performing pupillary distance, segment height, and other measurements needed to fit and dispense eyewear.
• Experience selecting, fitting, adjusting, repairing, and dispensing eyewear.
• Experience verifying ophthalmic prescriptions, inspecting eyewear for accuracy, and identifying discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Provide courteous, culturally competent assistance to Veterans and caregivers, explaining frame and lens options, pricing, timelines, and expectations.
• Perform complex optical measurements, including pupillary distance, segment height, base curve, and prism, using digital or manual instruments.
• Ensure eyewear fit, comfort, and safety through advanced frame adjustments, including pantoscopic tilt, temple spread, and nose-pad adjustments.
• Document measurements, fittings, verifications, repairs, dispensing, and patient interactions in CPRS in accordance with VHA and Joint Commission standards.
• Independently verify prescriptions, reconcile spectacle orders, and resolve discrepancies before fabrication.
• Ensure eyewear meets ANSI Z80.1 and Z87.1 requirements and conduct final inspections for power, axis, prism, pupillary distance, segment height, and bevel fit.
• Repair and adjust eyewear and dispense it to ensure fit, function, and patient satisfaction.
• Maintain inventory organization, cleanliness, and visual displays; support merchandise control, record keeping, and pricing accuracy.
• Educate patients on eyeglass care, cleaning, safe handling, storage, and lens adaptation; troubleshoot adaptation issues.
• Track orders and resolve issues involving missing, damaged, or delayed eyewear, providing updates to patients.
• Support Optometry clinical workflow, including pre-exam readiness, imaging preparation, and optical measurements.
• Triage walk-in optical issues and independently resolve minor concerns.
• Communicate with Optometrists about prescription issues, adaptation concerns, and lens compatibility.
• Protect protected health information in accordance with HIPAA and VA Handbook 6500 and ensure proper system use and secure documentation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment, in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Child care subsidy eligibility for qualifying full-time employees after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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