Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, assists with the education of medical students and residents. This candidate will be selected for Henrico CBOC or Richmond main facility

Duties

The GS-8 level (Full Performance Level) is the full performance level for this assignment. The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at this level performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures. In addition to the duties expected of the GS-7 level, the following clinical duties and responsibilities are expected at the GS-8 assignment: i. Checks and performs calibration of technical ophthalmology screening instruments. ii. Obtains patient physical history, to include chief complaint; reason for visit; pertinent signs and symptoms; current medication allergies; past ocular and general medical history both ocular and general; family history both ocular and general; social history; and review of medications and allergies, including current ocular prescription and nonprescription medications. iii. Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole. iv. Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. v. Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation. Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect. vi. Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter. vii. Instills eye medications (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegic drops, or antibiotics). viii. Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry. ix. Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature. x. Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device. xi. Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines. xii. Performs external photographs and fundus photography. xiii. Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve. xiv. Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions. xv. Assists 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, intravitreous injections, and laser surgical procedures. xvi. Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions. xvii. Assists in the education and training of medical students, residents and fellows in those facilities with medical school affiliations. xviii. Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments, supplies and equipment; obtains quotes as needed; and reports needed repairs to biomedical engineering. Major duties and responsibilities will include: Resolves information technology issues related to integration of VISTA, Get Well Network/Touch Tone Dining and N&FS Systems Develops and updates nutrient database on nutrition analysis of menu items served Makes menu/recipe changes and all necessary updates in food service system (any commercial of-the-shelf (COTS) program) Consults with COTS contractor when unable to resolve issues internally Troubleshoots and resolves all electronic or paper menu issues Consults with clinical nutrition staff to resolve tray ticket issues with complex diets; Provides training and orientation for all N&FS employees Serves as NCC liaison between Veterans, multidisciplinary healthcare staff and N&FS staff Participates in performance improvement activities by assisting in the development of indicators and monitors, data collection and analysis, corrective actions and preparation of reports Handles patient problems and complaints related to N&FS as appropriate Ensures compliance with all regulatory agency standards, including state, federal and Joint Commission Performing related duties as required. Designated Drug-Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1630 Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: HEALTH TECHNICIAN (OPHTHALMOLOGY)/PD000000

Requirements

Qualifications

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) Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed as a graduate Health Technician (Ophthalmology) under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) that provides care under the supervision of an Ophthalmologist. The exception only applies below the full performance level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level the candidate must be certified. Failure to obtain COA certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment and may result in termination of employment. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of appointment. At the time of appointment, the supervisor will provide the uncertified Health Technician (Ophthalmology) with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired, and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to become certified within two years from date of appointment will result in removal from the Health Technician (Ophthalmology), GS-0640 series and may result in termination of employment. Loss of Credentials. A Health Technician (Ophthalmology) who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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).

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 Central Virginia VA Health Care System 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard Richmond, VA 23249 US
• Name: Nassar Brisker
• Email: [email protected]