The Salem Veterans Affairs Health Care System is looking for two Health Technicians (Ophthalmology) to work in the Department of Surgery. The incumbent must have in-depth knowledge of the functions of the visual system, optics, and basic ophthalmic pharmacology. In addition, an exceptional knowledge of ocular physiology and microbiology.
This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Salem VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Salem, Virginia.
Duties include but are not limited to: Patient intake assessment. Incumbent will take brief patient history including medication, allergies and patient interim status. Visual acuity assessment. Incumbent must take visual acuity with and without correction, distance and near. Intraocular pressure determination. Incumbent must be able to take Intraocular Pressure (IOP) with air tonometer, Goldmann tonometer, handheld and pneumotonometers. Lensometry.
Incumbent must know how to neutralize lenses both single vision and multifocal. Opticianry. In addition to lens neutralization, incumbent must measure pupillary distance, distance and near, determine proper nasal bridge, bifocal size and appropriate frame size in order to appropriately fit our patients with spectacles. Frame adjustment before dispensing glasses is necessary. Maintenance of clinic.
Incumbent is required to keep all cupboards stocked and clean with appropriate supplies. All orders for supplies are to be ordered by computer. Lines are to be stocked for use in minor surgery. Instruments are to be treated in instrument milk and cleaned before packaging for sterilization in the central supply. Small instruments require special handling and covers for tips at time of preparation. Countertops are to be properly maintained.
When instruments return sterilized, they are to be stored in their appropriate area. Refraction of patients. Incumbent must know how to determine refractive error in patients using auto refractor. Ultrasonography/diagnostic. Incumbent must know how to set up the instrument used for diagnostic B scan determination including operation of the machine itself, the camera attachment and positioning of the patient. Photos taken must be mounted, labeled and procedure logged in.
Ultrasonography-Axial Length Determination. Incumbent must know how to operate the machine, calibrate, set up the probe and position the patient. Incumbent must know how to sue both the A and B scan instruments and their proper care. Keratometry. Incumbent must know how to operate the several types of keratometers which are used for measuring corneal curvature in the eye clinic.
Corneal curvature is used in the calculation of intraocular lens implant power prior to cataract surgery. Photography. The incumbent must know how to use all the cameras in the Eye Clinic, proper care of their mechanisms, order appropriate film and supplies necessary to their use. Minor surgery. Incumbent must know sterile techniques for use in minor surgery room of Eye Clinic when minor procedures are performed there.
He/she must help prepare the patient with consent and prepping of site and assist the surgeon in performing the procedure. All logbooks are to be maintained by incumbent (i.e., Pathology Log, Attending Log, Incident Logbooks.) Schedule and post-surgical cases in computer. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
***A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Conferral of degrees earned should be present on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts OK.*** 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/.
christine.kozik@va.gov · 858-642-1574
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $55882 – $72644/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-09.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-31 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
Apply on official site →