The Health Technician Optometry serves as a member of the Optometry Section at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Healthcare System. The work includes duties such as advanced color vision testing, advanced perimetry including both automated and manual techniques, advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing, advanced patient education and training and vision rehabilitation services. This advanced level performs duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.

Duties

This vacancy is located at the CBOC Worcester Planation Street Optometry Clinic, Worcester, Mass. The duties of this position include but are not limited to: Checks and performs calibration of technical optometric screening instruments. Instills eye medications (drops or ointment). Neutralize eyeglasses. Verify contact lenses. Performs auto-refraction/keratometry. Performs automated visual field testing. Performs external photographs and fundus photography. Performs optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment, retina, and optic nerve. Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions. Order eyeglasses and contact lenses. Assists in the education and training of optometry students and residents. Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection, calibration, and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment Assists with management of optometry clinic operations. Maximize clinic function (patient flow, equipment status, etc.). Participate in completing projects to improve care or clinic function as assigned by the Optometry Chief and other optometry staff. Orders supplies and equipment, obtains quotes as needed. Assists with annual inventory. Reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering. Assist in managing contact lens clinic (orders, lens verification, communication with patients, etc.). Communicates with patients via phone and secure messaging. Manages secure messaging. Manage faxes. Prepare and ready clinics for inspections. Complete required VA TMS trainings and other required trainings as assigned by the Optometry Chief. Participate as requested in addressing veteran related complaints/issues. Able to work at a high level of autonomy effectively with minimal supervision and support. Proficient in tonometry including noncontact, Goldman and rebound tonometry. Proficient in refraction including determination of reading add when applicable Proficient in anterior chamber angle assessment for safety of instillation of dilation drops. Proficient in Fitting and adjustment of eyeglasses as order by VA provider . Able to offer appropriate recommendation to patient regarding Frame selection lens design and lens material appropriate for their glasses prescription and needs. Able to troubleshoot patient problems with glasses and offer recommendations to patient and or VA provider to resolve patient issue. Work Schedule: Full time 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 631-F04004 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: Health Technician (Optometry) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Experience and Education: Transcripts required at time of application. (1) Experience. One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or by demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field. OR (2) 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. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: (a) Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge of optometry assistant theory and practices and general understanding of the health technician/assistant duties and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant related courses. (b) Successful completion of a course for health care technicians or assistants, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training in a program given by the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or the U.S. Public Health Service, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None. GRANDFATHERING PROVISION: 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). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Grade Determinations: GS-08 Above the full performance level of this occupation. Experience: One year of experience comparable to the next lower-level GS-07 which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to provide patient education and training to manage complex eye and vision conditions. (b) Knowledge of advanced triage of patients depending upon level of urgency or optometry needs. (c) Knowledge of complex, non-standard treatment and/or complex examinations and techniques. (d) Knowledge of ocular pharmacology and systemic medications with ocular side effects. Preferred Experience: 8 or more years experience preferred. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, Certified Retinal Photographer/Angiographer, Licensed Optician or Ophthalmic Scribe preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/142, Part II Appendix G68. Promotion Potential: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Northampton VA Medical Center 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053 US
• Name: Karen Terebesi
• Phone: (203) 951-9651
• Email: [email protected]