Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Advanced Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment. This announcement is only open to current permanent facility employees at South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS).

Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to: The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the advanced level performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-9 Advanced Technician assignment: Advanced Refractometry utilizing retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescription; Kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann); Intraocular pressure measurements by applanation tonometry and other current methods; Pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect; Advanced slit lamp biomicroscopy evaluation to check for abnormalities prior to dilation (i.e.: anterior chamber depth/iris anomalies). May perform advanced color vision testing of the entire visual spectrum to detect complex color vision defects such as monochromats, dichromats and 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 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. Performs B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities. Determines the corneal curvature by either manual keratometry or automated topography. Performs fluorescein or indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, with diagnostic photography of retinal vessels. Performs advanced slit lamp photography to include gonio photography. May perform anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy, electroretinography, electrooculography, and visual evoked potential. Assists in minor clinical surgical procedures, including laser surgery and intravitreal injections. Assists with the microbiology testing of patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instrumentation and media for intraocular biopsy and/or culture. Performs thorough preparatory cleaning of critical reusable medical equipment used in surgical procedures. Responsible for training other health technicians (ophthalmology). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 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

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(1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician OR (2) 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 (3) 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). 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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). 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: Advanced Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-9 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 grade level. Experience will include performing a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures with responsibility for checking calibration of instruments prior to the procedure; obtaining patient physical history, including chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs/symptoms; past history both ocular and general; family history both ocular and general; social history; and review of medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and non-prescription medications; accurately testing visual acuity at distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole; measuring eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder; performing pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect; performing basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter; instilling eye medications (i.e., drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics. Responsible for measuring intraocular pressure of the eye utilizing techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry; performing pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature; performing intra-ocular lens calculations using the IOL Master; performing automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines; performing external photographs and fundus photography; performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina, and optic nerve; performing patient screening and evaluating triage emergencies; identifying ocular emergencies; performing patient screening and telephone triage for immediate care; assisting 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; educating patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions; assisting in the education and training of medical students, residents, and fellows in those facilities with medical school affiliations; ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory, and ordering of instruments, supplies and equipment; obtaining quotes as needed; and reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). 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. Preferred Experience: Must be proficient in all aspects of ophthalmic diagnostic imaging. Proficient in manifest refraction and retinoscopy. Experience in presenting lectures. Experience in training Ophthalmic health technicians. Experience in maintaining and calibrating ophthalmic equipment. Minimal COA certification is required additional certifications will be considered a plus for this position example CRA, COMT, ROUB. Minimum 3 years' experience performing imaging. References: VA Handbook 5005/98, PART II, APPENDIX G52 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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 Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]