The health technician (optometry) demonstrates knowledge of complex examinations and techniques, including advanced color vision testing, advanced perimetry, advanced ophthalmic imaging, and diagnostic testing (e.g. anterior segment optical coherence tomography, advanced ultrasonography, confocal microscopy, electro-diagnostic testing, etc.). They perform difficult and responsible ophthalmic technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education or Experience: Experience: One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant; or associate degree; or completion of an independent study course in an optometry related technician or assistant field. Combination: Equivalent combinations of experience and education as described above. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must also meet the grade requirements below. GS-4 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements above Assignment: Employees at this grade level serve in a health technician (optometry) entry level position. More experienced staff members guide and provide daily direct supervision for the health technicians (optometry). GS-5 Experience: Candidates must have at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of basic eye anatomy and function. 2. Ability to obtain, document and record ophthalmic and medical information from patients in order to develop an accurate electronic progress note. 3. Ability to practice basic hygiene and infection control in a patient care setting. 4. Ability to follow eye clinic and patient care medical policies and procedures.5. Ability to perform minor eyeglasses repairs, such as replacing nose pads and screws. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental level 1 health technicians (optometry). It is expected they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for patient issues and require daily and direct contact with senior optometry personnel at the work site. GS-6 Experience: Candidates must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to provide patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions, to include assisting with patient contact lens insertion, removal and hygiene (cleaning and disinfection) care. 2. Ability to accurately enter into a phoropter the autorefractometry or habitual refractive prescription (i.e., eyeglasses prescription) or lensometer findings, including sphere, cylinder and axis. 3. Ability to perform patient spectacle fitting and dispensing, including selection of appropriate frame, ophthalmic lenses, interpupillary measurements (distance and near) and proper segment height determination, as well as the ability to transpose sphere, cylinder and axis. 4. Ability to provide basic triage of patient telephone calls or optometry requests. 5. Knowledge of ophthalmic medications and supplies needed in the process of restocking the eye clinic exam rooms. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental level 2 health technicians (optometry). The technicians operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing basic screening procedures. The health technicians (optometry) understand basic hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME) instruments and ophthalmic equipment. At this level, the technicians assist optometry staff by obtaining an accurate medical/ophthalmic history, as well as coding and entering eye testing performed on the encounter form. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or assistance. Assignments at this level involve procedures performed under supervision from senior optometry personnel. GS-7 Experience: Candidates must have one year of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction. 2. Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues (e.g., measurement of vertex distance, base curve, prism correction, center thickness, slab off, Fresnel prism, decentration, etc.). 3. Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation, near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near). 4. Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures. 5. Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears.6. Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serves as a full performance level health technician (optometry). The technicians perform duties such as measuring and recording visual acuity (with use of pinhole testing as indicated), obtaining accurate potential acuity meter, laser interferometry, contrast sensitivity or other specialized visual acuity measurements. The technicians also evaluate pupillary light responses and measure pupil size, determine the presence or absence of fusion and perform stereoacuity measurements. The health technicians (optometry) perform Amsler grid testing, administer eye drops under the supervision of an eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist), perform basic tonometry (e.g., non-contact, Goldmann, Tono-Pen) and estimate the anterior chamber depth with a penlight or slit lamp biomicroscope. The technicians are skilled in properly reading a basic spectacle prescription using an automated or manual lensometer, obtaining accurate autorefractometry and keratometry measurements, performing confrontation and standard automated visual field testing and administering and scoring basic color vision tests (e.g., pseudoischromatic plates, Farnsworth D-15). The technicians are also adept at measuring and recording corneal thickness by pachymetry as well as performance of advanced corneal measurements, exophthalmometry, tear testing and ocular imaging (e.g., stereo fundus, basic slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular lens master measurements, ocular ultrasonography, posterior segment optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence and/or ocular angiography).The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which a candidate may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-04 to GS-07. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G68 - Health Technician (Optometry) Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds, light carrying, under 15 pounds, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, walking, standing, and repeated bending may be required ["Major Duties may include but not limited to: Health technicians (optometry) perform difficult and responsible ophthalmic technology duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Perform duties such as advanced color vision testing advanced perimetry including both automated and manual techniques. Perform advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing (e.g., anterior segment optical coherence tomography, advanced ultrasonography, confocal microscopy, electro-diagnostic testing, etc.). Provide patient education and training and vision rehabilitation services. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with Four 10 hour shifts, days off will vary Compressed/Flexible: Yes Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
