Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. At the GS-9 Advanced Level, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in High Complexity Facilities.

Duties

Major Duties: Slit lamp bio microscopy to evaluate for contraindications prior to dilation (anterior chamber depth/iris abnormalities) Perform advanced vision color testing to detect complex color vision defects such as monochromats, dichromats, anomalous trichromats. Measures eyeglass prescriptions using manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs A-scan ultrasonography, including lens calculations, immersion A-scans on eyes with complex pathology such as corneal opacities, irregular astigmatism, or zonular weakness. Performs B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses. Performs fluorescein or indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, with diagnostic photography of retinal vessels. Performs anterior segment OCT and confocal microscopy. May function as scrub technician in main OR surgical procedures including set up of sterile fields, operation and maintenance of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy machines, all of which require a thorough understanding of complex instrumentation and the ability to troubleshoot problems efficiently during surgery. Conducting clinical and administrative responsibilities to ensure that the mission of the service and the medical center has been satisfied. Assist in assuring compliance with accrediting agency and regulatory requirements. Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Advanced Level Technician (Ophthalmology) GS-0640-9 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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: Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or 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 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). 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). Grade Determinations: Health Technician (Ophthalmology) GS-9 (Advanced Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level. GS-8 experience includes: Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation. Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens. Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting. Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology. Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye. Knowledge of optics; and Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of advanced clinical optics, advanced ocular motility, advanced diagnostic testing, and microbiology testing. Knowledge of ophthalmic surgical instruments. Knowledge of appropriate preparatory cleaning of reusable medical equipment; and Ability to assist in ophthalmic surgical procedures performed in the main operation room. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G52 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonger periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The incumbent may be required to travel between VA and/or Non-VA clinical care sites and possession of a valid driver's license may be required.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25405 US
• Name: Carrie Trenary
• Phone: 304-268-7780
• Email: [email protected]