Duties

Checks and performs calibration of technical ophthalmology screening instruments.

Obtains patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs and symptoms; current medicationallergies; past ocular and general medical history both ocular and general; family history both ocular and general; socialhistory; and review of medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and non-prescription medications.

Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole.

Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plusand minus cylinder.

Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation.

Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative aff erent pupillary defect.

Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter.

Instills eye medications (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegic drops , or antibiotics).

Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry.

Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine cornealcurvature.

Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device.

Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines.

Performs external photographs and fundus photography.

Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve.

Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions.

Assists during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including revision of wounds, biopsies of the eyelid lesions, cultures ofconjunctiva, or cornea; reformation of anterior chamber, evacuation of hyphema, repositioning of corneal endothelial graft s,intra-vitreous injections, and laser surgical procedures.

Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions.

Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments,supplies and equipment; obtains quotes; and reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering.

Work Schedule

: Monday - Friday , 8:00am-4:30pm

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen forillegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

Selective Service Registration is required for males born aft er 12/31/1959.

Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

You may be required to serve a probationary period.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Aff airs Health CarePersonnel (HCP).

Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans HealthAdministration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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 Requirement

United States Citizenship:

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordancewith VA Policy.

Experience and Education

(1)

Experience.

One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician.

OR

(2)

Education.

Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree.

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).

OR

(3)

Experience/Education Combination.

Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are liste dbelow:

(a)

Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school;

or

(b)

Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces;

or

(c)

Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting.

Certification.

All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied HealthPersonnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a HealthTechnician (Ophthalmology).

Exception

Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed as a graduateHealth Technician (Ophthalmology) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing off icial may waive therequirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) that provides care underthe supervision of an Ophthalmologist. The exception only applies below the full performance level. For grade levels at or above thefull performance level the candidate must be certified. Failure to obtain COA certification during that period is justification fortermination of the temporary appointment and may result in termination of employment.

Grade Determinations

:

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-5 (Entry Level )

(a)

Experience or Education

. None beyond the basic requirements

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-6 (Developmental Level 1)

(a)

Experience

. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.

(b)

Assignment.

The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at this level operates and monitors commonly used equipmentperforming basic screening procedures. Assists ophthalmology staff by obtaining an accurate medical and ophthalmic history,measuring and recording visual acuity, administering anesthetic eye drops, performing basic tonometry, estimating the anteriorchamber depth and recording a simple spectacle reading through automated lensometry. Deviations from regular procedures,unanticipated problems, complex patients and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-7 (Developmental Level 2)

(a)

Experience.

One year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.

(b)

Assignment

. At this level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs the following: triages patient phone calls orrequests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils;performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment). Performs basicimaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performs basic ocular testing such as pachymetry, tearproduction with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using bothautomated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders. The employee assists the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmicsurgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures. Performs autorefractor todetermine spectacle prescription.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-8 (Full Performance Level)

(a)

Experience.

One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.

(b)

Assignment.

This is considered to be the full performance level for this assignment. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) atthis level performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures with responsibility for checking calibration ofinstruments prior to the procedure. Responsible for obtaining patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit;pertinent signs/symptoms; past history both ocular and general; family history both ocular and general; social history; and reviewof medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and nonprescription medications. Accurately tests visual acuityat distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole. Measures eyeglass prescription using manual orautomated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs pupil evaluationrecording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative aff erentpupillary defect. Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter. Instills eyemedications (i.e., drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics. Responsible for measuringintraocular pressure of the eye utilizing techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry. Performs pachymetry todetermine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature. Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using the IOL Master. Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines.Performance of external photographs and fundus photography. Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anteriorsegment, retina and optic nerve. Performs patient screening and triage emergencies identifying ocular emergencies. Performspatient screening and telephone triage for immediate care. Assists during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including revision ofwounds, biopsies of the eyelid lesions, cultures of conjunctiva, or cornea; reformation of anterior chamber, evacuation of hyphema,repositioning of corneal endothelial graft s, intra-vitreous injections, and laser surgical procedures. Educates patients and legalauthorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions. Assists in the education and training

of medical students, residents and fellows in those facilities with medical school aff iliations and more.

References:

VA Handbook 5005 /98, Part II, Appendix 052

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-8.

Physicals Requirements:

As an Ophthalmic Health Technician you must be able to assist patients with standing, sitting, and walking. You must be able to stand , walk , sit for prolonged periods of time. lift objects of 25 pounds. Also must have adequate visual acuity (with corrective lens's if needed) to identify, observe, and measure ophthalmic findings .

Education

IMPORTANT:

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note:

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here:

http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

(http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/)

. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by bthe Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated

(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-

ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html)

against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do notinclude remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated againstCOVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional informationregarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from thisrequirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listedin this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you andyour family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Learn more aboutfederal benefits

(https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/)

.

Review our benefits

(http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp)

Eligibility

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,642.00 - $77,828.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Ophthalmology

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you US Citizen ?

Experience:

• Ophthalmology: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with (JCAHPO). (Required)

Work Location: In person