Health Technician (Optometry)

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This Health Technician (Optometry) position is located in the Eye Clinic under Surgery Service. The technician supports optometry care by triaging patient calls and requests, preparing exam rooms, educating patients, and performing a range of basic vision and ocular tests. The position is not available for telework and is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The position’s full performance level is GS-7, and the selected grade may be GS-4 through GS-7. Qualification may be based on relevant health-care experience, qualifying education, or a combination of experience and education. Grade-specific qualifications include knowledge and skills in eye anatomy, patient education and documentation, infection control, eyeglass-related tasks, triage, and assisting with eye-care procedures, depending on the grade. No license, certification, or registration is required.

The role requires U.S. citizenship, proficiency in spoken and written English, and completion of the required application steps and online assessment. Selected applicants are subject to security screening and other pre-employment requirements, including a drug test for applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one- or two-year trial period is required. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the basic qualification requirements through one year of relevant health-care technician or assistant experience; qualifying education; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• For GS-5, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade demonstrating knowledge of basic eye anatomy and function; ability to obtain, document, and record patient information for an accurate electronic progress note; basic hygiene and infection control; ability to follow eye-clinic and patient-care policies; and ability to make minor eyeglass repairs.
• For GS-6, one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade demonstrating ability to educate patients about eye health or vision conditions, assist with contact lens insertion, removal, and hygiene, enter prescriptions or lensometer findings into a phoropter, fit and dispense spectacles, triage patient calls or requests, and knowledge of ophthalmic medications and clinic supplies.
• For GS-7, at least one year of comparable experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, including estimating or refining optical status without performing final subjective refraction; triaging and managing eyeglasses issues; assessing accommodation, near point of convergence, and ocular alignment; assisting with ophthalmic procedures and ocular cultures or smears; and providing advanced patient education.
• Complete the required application steps and online assessment.
• Selected applicants must complete pre-employment identification, onboarding, and background/security requirements; applicants tentatively selected for a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Triage patient phone calls and requests.
• Ensure exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies.
• Instruct patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions.
• Measure, compare, and evaluate pupillary responses accurately.
• Administer eye drops to dilate pupils.
• Perform basic color vision screening.
• Perform visual field testing using an Amsler grid or automated equipment.
• Perform basic imaging, including corneal topography and external photography.
• Perform basic ocular testing, including pachymetry, tear production testing with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, and potential acuity meter testing.
• Measure spectacles using automated and manual lensometry and transpose cylinders.
• Perform autorefractor testing to determine spectacle prescriptions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families. Specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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