Health Technician

Summary Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, assists with the education of medical students and residents. Responsibilities The incumbent performs a wide range of technical work in support of the Ophthalmology treatment team including, but not limited to, diagnostic tests and procedures, and documenting the results or findings appropriately in written and electronic form. Duties include: Refractometry utilizing retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescription; Kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann); Intraocular pressure measurements by applanation tonometry and other current methods; Pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect; Basic slit lamp biomicroscopy evaluation to check for abnormalities prior to dilation (i.e.: anterior chamber depth/iris anomalies). May perform advanced color vision testing of the entire visual spectrum to detect complex color vision defects such as monochromats, dichromats and anomalous trichromats. Measures eyeglass prescriptions using manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs A-scan ultrasonography, including intra-ocular lens calculations, using immersion A-scan on eyes with complex pathology such as corneal scarring, irregular and/or high astigmatism, zonular weakness, high refractive error that requires multiple alternative calculating formulas. Performs B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities. Determines the corneal curvature by either manual keratometry or automated topography. Performs fluorescein or indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, with diagnostic photography of retinal vessels. Performs slit lamp photography. May perform anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy, electroretinography, electrooculography, and visual evoked potential. Assists in minor clinical surgical procedures, including laser surgery and intravitreal injections. May assist as scrub technician in main OR surgical procedures, set up of sterile fields, operation and maintenance of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy units, cryosurgery, endolaser units, all of which require a thorough understanding of complex instrumentation and the ability to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently during surgical procedures and care of instruments. Assists with the microbiology testing of patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instrumentation and media for intraocular biopsy and/or culture. Performs thorough preparatory cleaning of critical reusable medical equipment used in surgical procedures. Responsible for training other health technicians (ophthalmology). Work Schedule: 8:00AM-4:30PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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 for illegal 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 after 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. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: To be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., Chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in Veterans Health Administration (VHA), applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English. Experience: One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR, Education: Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associates degree in a health care related degree. Grade Determinations: Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Qualifying Experience: GS-09 requires: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 grade level in Federal service. Specialized experience includes performing both administrative and patient care duties in an optometry/ophthalmic office or clinic that includes: knowledge of anatomy and physiology and an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the visual system, related disorders and diseases; obtaining a thorough patient history; interpreting information and test results; performing specialized techniques for imaging the eye; performing complicated ocular examinations; operating and maintaining ocular equipment and instruments; knowledge of the pharmacology for ophthalmic and general medical drugs; using a computer to order, obtain and review laboratory results; and maintaining patient records? (*To receive credit for these skills they must be documented in your application/ resume.) In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation; Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens; 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/98 Part II Appendix G52 Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: The incumbent requires adequate manual dexterity and fine motor coordination to utilize some of the instrumentation. In addition, the incumbent may be required to transfer patients from a wheelchair to the examination chairs or seating in the testing areas. The Technician will move from a sitting/standing position several times during the day. Because of the nature of the population treated, the technician may be required to assist in the lifting of heavy patients to position the patient properly for the ophthalmology examination. Bending is occasionally required to access medical records or ophthalmic instruments. This position requires regard walking, sitting, standing and occasionally handling supply boxes of varying weights throughout most of the work day. It is not a sedentary position. 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: d.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. For further information, visit: d.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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 the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.