The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures with responsibility for checking calibration of instruments prior to the procedure. The incumbent will work with the patient's capabilities to obtain the best information from the patient including medical history or specific test results.
Ensures proper cleaning, disinfection, calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments, supplies and equipment.
Performs optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve. Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect.
Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter. Instills eye medications (i.e., drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics), demonstrating proper technique and documenting the technician workup in the medical record. Measures intraocular pressure of the eye utilizing techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry.
Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature. Performs intra-ocular lens (IOL) calculations using the IOL Master. Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines. Performs external photographs and fundus photography. Performs advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation. Performs calculations for selection of intraocular lens.
Assists during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including revision of wounds, biopsies of the eyelid lesions, cultures of conjunctiva, or cornea; reformation of anterior chamber, evacuation of hyphema, repositioning of corneal endothelial grafts, intra-vitreous injections, and laser surgical procedures. Performs records management on a consistent basis, writing patient notes in a timely manner and in the proper format according to agency policy.
Follows universal precautions for employee protection during the performance of the heath technician's duties in relation to the cleaning and processing of reusable medical equipment and the performance of assisting with eye injections and oculoplastic procedures. Reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering. Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions.
Performs patient screening and triage emergencies identifying ocular emergencies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Day Shift Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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 (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
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) 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: This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework which occurs on an occasional, non-routine basis and is utilized to complete short-term special assignments or to accommodate special circumstances even though the telework arrangement may occur continuously for a limited and specific period of time.
Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 523-F1063_Health_Technician_Ophthalmology_GS-0640-05 (Entry Level) 523-F1064_Health_Technician_Ophthalmology_GS-0640-06 (Developmental Level 1) 523-F1065_Health_Technician_Ophthalmology_GS-0640-07 (Developmental Level 2) 523-F1066_Health_Technician_Ophthalmology_GS-0640-08 (Full Performance Level) Notifications: This is an open continuous announcement until 09/30/2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.
Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement. This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.
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/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
JONATHAN.MONTGOMERY@VA.GOV · 734-905-2529
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $51155 – $91224/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-09-30.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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