Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. At the Advanced Level, Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.

Duties

Functions of Assigned Duties Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the KSAs expected of the GS-8 level, the following KSAs are expected at the GS-9 Advanced Technician assignment: a. Knowledge of advanced clinical optics, advanced ocular motility, advanced diagnostic testing, and microbiology testing; b. Knowledge of ophthalmic surgical instruments; c. Knowledge of appropriate preparatory cleaning of reusable medical equipment; and d. Ability to assist in ophthalmic surgical procedures performed in the main operation room. Clinical Responsibilities (75% of time): The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the advanced level performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. a. Refractometry utilizing retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescription; b. Kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann); c. Intraocular pressure measurements by applanation tonometry and other current methods; d. Pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect; e. Basic slit lamp biomicroscopy evaluation to check for abnormalities prior to dilation (i.e.: anterior chamber depth/iris anomalies). f. May perform advanced color vision testing of the entire visual spectrum to detect complex color vision defects such as monochromats, dichromats and anomalous trichromats. g. Measures eyeglass prescriptions using manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. h. Performs A-scan ultrasonography, including intra-ocular lens calculations, using immersion A-scan on eyes with complex pathology such as corneal scarring, irregular and/or high astigmatism, zonular weakness, high refractive error that requires multiple alternative calculating formulas. i. Performs B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities. j. Determines the corneal curvature by either manual keratometry or automated topography. k. Performs fluorescein or indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, with diagnostic photography of retinal vessels. l. Performs slit lamp photography. m. May perform anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy, electroretinography, electrooculography, and visual evoked potential. n. Assists in minor clinical surgical procedures, including laser surgery and intravitreal injections. o. May assist as scrub technician in main OR surgical procedures, set up of sterile fields, operation and maintenance of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy units, cryosurgery, endolaser units, all of which require a thorough understanding of complex instrumentation and the ability to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently during surgical procedures and care of instruments. p. Assists with the microbiology testing of patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instrumentation and media for intraocular biopsy and/or culture. q. Performs thorough preparatory cleaning of critical reusable medical equipment used in surgical procedures. r. Responsible for training other health technicians (ophthalmology). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm 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 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic 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.) Experience and Education: Experience One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR 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 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). Qualification Requirements: See VA Handbook 5005 /98, Part II, Appendix G52 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9 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.


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.


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/.

Contacts

• Address Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Karen Simmons
• Phone: 202-297-8951
• Email: [email protected]