The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is recruiting for two Health Technicians (Optometry). The ideal candidates will have knowledge in working with legally blinded patients in Low Vision clinic, specialty visual acuity testing such as Low Vision History, ETDRS and Feinbloom (including knowledge of M notation), training in the use of Low Vision Devices, including hand magnifiers such as CCTV and testing patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.
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: 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. 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, 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, 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). Physical Requirements. The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing, walking, bending, lifting and carrying of light items. The work requires above average agility and dexterity. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients. GRADE DETERMINATIONS In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met. Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower level 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 determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction. (b) Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues (e.g., measurement of vertex distance, base curve, prism correction, center thickness, slab off, Fresnel prism, decentration, etc.). (c) Ability to perform accurate assessment of accommodation, near point of convergence and ocular alignment (far and near). (d) Ability to assist the eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) with ophthalmic procedures. (e) Ability to assist with obtaining accurate ocular cultures and smears. (f) Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions. Preferred Experience: The ideal candidates will have knowledge in working with legally blinded patients in Low Vision clinic, specialty visual acuity testing such as Low Vision History, ETDRS, and Feinbloom (including knowledge of M notation), training in the use of Low Vision Devices, including hand magnifiers such as CCTV and testing patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. ***Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II, Appendix G68
The responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: Obtain spectacle data by manual and automated lensometry: sphere, cylinder, axis, single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses. Determine lens material, amount and direction of prism. Frame information including eye sizes, frame sizes, lens sizes, bridge sizes, and temple length. Obtain total and split interpupillary distance with a PD ruler or a pupillometer, Extraocular muscle testing in order to determine needed prism for spectacle prescription. Pupillary testing including identification of afferent pupillary defects. Visual field testing including Automated Humphrey Visual field, Automated Octopus Visual field, Automated kinetic Goldmann Visual field, to screen and monitor for glaucoma, ptosis, neurological disorders, retinal disorders, hysteria and malingering. Pachymetry; amsler grid testing; corneal curvature measurements using manual keratometer; color Vision testing and recording using ishahara and D-15; exophthalmometry using a Hertel exophthalmeter; autorefraction; retinoscopy. Manifest refraction including add determination using a phoropter (plus or minus cylinder) or trail frame; use of a Retinal Acuity Meter; dilated and undilated retinal imaging using Topcon non-mydriatic retinal. External photographs using a digital slit lamp camera; blood pressure and pulse readings; glucometry, frame selection measurements including segment height; removal, polish and reinsert prosthetic eyes. Provides instruction to patients in the proper method of contact lens insertion, removal and care when applicable and assisting the optometrist in contact lens fitting. Appropriately cleans and disinfects Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) according to manufacturer's guidelines. Obtain patient history information including chief compliant, history of present illness, family history, ocular history, and medical history including current topical and systemic ocular medications: names, strength, and dosage. Obtain visual acuities near and distance with and without spectacles; glare testing. Knowledge in CPRS electronic record keeping. Knowledge in electronic image capture into the patient's electronic records. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:21028F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required