Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

01Basic Requirements

Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) English Language Proficiency. Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 38 U.S.C. 7407(d) 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. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Examples are listed below: (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 Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) 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). Grandfathering Provision.

All persons employed in VHA as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including certification requirements.

For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) who were appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of the qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (4) Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

02Grade Determinations

Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation; 2. Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens; 3. Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting; 4.

Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology; 5. Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye; 6. Knowledge of optics; and 7. Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant will be selected for this vacancy is GS-08.

03Physical Requirements

See Handbook 5019.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties may include, but are not limited to: The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the full performance level independently conducts patient intake and clinical assessments, performing a thorough review of the patient's chief complaint, pertinent ocular and systemic medical history, current medications including topical and systemic eye-related drugs, known allergies, family history of eye disease, and social history relevant to visual function.

The technician accurately documents findings in the electronic health record and communicates relevant information to the supervising ophthalmologist prior to the clinical examination. The technician performs the full scope of standard ophthalmic diagnostic testing with accuracy and efficiency.

This includes measurement of distance and near visual acuity using standard and low-vision charts, automated and confrontational visual field testing to screen for peripheral vision defects, and color vision screening using standardized testing methods. The technician measures intraocular pressure using non-contact tonometry and other approved methods and calibrates instruments regularly to ensure reliable results.

Automated refraction is performed to obtain objective estimates of refractive error as part of routine patient preparation. The technician prepares and operates specialized ophthalmic equipment, ensures proper patient positioning and fixation during imaging, and verifies image quality before concluding the testing sequence. Findings are uploaded to the electronic health record and flagged for provider review as appropriate.

The technician performs preliminary slit lamp evaluation to assess the anterior segment for conditions such as corneal abnormalities and anterior chamber depth and instills dilating agents in preparation for a comprehensive fundus examination. The technician screens spectacle prescriptions using automated lensometry and documents current correction for the clinical record.

Pachymetry, stereoacuity testing, glare testing, potential acuity measurements, and tear production testing are performed as part of the diagnostic workup for appropriate patients. The technician explains procedures clearly at an appropriate health literacy level, answers patient questions within the scope of the technician role, and documents educational interventions.

In facilities with training programs, the technician assists in orienting and instructing medical students, residents, and other trainees in basic ophthalmic techniques. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not aithorized.

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Appointment Above Minimum Rate).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:62401F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.