The health technician (optometry) at the full performance level measures and accurately records visual acuity; obtains accurate specialized visual acuity measurements; accurately assesses accommodation, near point of convergence, and ocular alignment; and determines a preliminary objective estimate of optical status of ocular alignment; and determines a preliminary objective estimate of optical status of the eye (not to include final subjective refraction).
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: Basic Experience: One (1) year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or be demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field.--OR-- Basic Education: Successful completion of two academic years above high school leading to an associate degree 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. Transcripts Required.--OR-- Basic Combination Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of experience and educations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below: 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 (1) year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health technician/assistant or health technician optometry/assistant related courses. and one year above high school with a minimum of 6 semester hours related to the health care industry. 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). They may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Health Technicians (Optometry) who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re-entry to the occupation. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above the following is the amount of experience required to qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level. GS-7 Full Performance Level: At least 1 full year of creditable experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-06) as a Health Technician (Optometry). (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. (3) Assignment: Employee at this grade level serves as a full performance level health technician (optometry). The technicians perform duties such as measuring and recording visual acuity (with use of pinhole testing as indicated), obtaining accurate potential acuity meter, laser interferometry, contrast sensitivity or other specialized visual acuity measurements. The technicians also evaluate pupillary light responses and measure pupil size, determine the presence or absence of fusion and perform stereoacuity measurements. The health technicians (optometry) perform Amsler grid testing, administer eye drops under the supervision of an eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist), perform basic tonometry (e.g., non-contact, Goldmann, Tono-Pen) and estimate the anterior chamber depth with a penlight or slit lamp biomicroscope. The technicians are skilled in properly reading a basic spectacle prescription using an automated or manual lensometer, obtaining accurate autorefractometry and keratometry measurements, performing confrontation and standard automated visual field testing and administering and scoring basic color vision tests (e.g., pseudoischromatic plates, Farnsworth D-15). The technicians are also adept at measuring and recording corneal thickness by pachymetry as well as performance of advanced corneal measurements, exophthalmometry, tear testing and ocular imaging (e.g., stereo fundus, basic slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular lens master measurements, ocular ultrasonography, posterior segment optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence and/or ocular angiography). Reference: VA Handbook 5005/142, Part II, Appendix G68, Health Technician (Optometry) Qualification Standards, 4/9/2021. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 7. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged 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.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs optical functions including spectacle fitting, ordering, adjustment, repair; able to transpose prescriptions from plus to minus cylinder, triage optical/spectacle complaints, measure for properly fitting frames for monovision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive addition lenses and coordinates with prosthetics and fabrication laboratory for orders and corrections as needed. Independently provide direct patient care services related to patient education, verification and troubleshooting of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear. Educates the patient on lens material, lens design, frames, tints and coatings that they are eligible to receive. Assists patients in the selection and fitting of properly fitting standard and safety eyewear frames and properly adjust eyeglasses for comfortable fit and proper alignment of the optical centers and segment heights for optimal visual performance. Have the skills to repair broken or defective eyeglasses and will triage patient concerns by manual or automated lensometry verification and trouble shooting. All patient care activities will be properly and clearly documented in the Veteran's electronic health record in a timely manner. Performs duties such as measuring and recording visual acuity (with use of pinhole testing as indicated), obtaining accurate potential acuity meter, laser interferometry, contrast sensitivity or other specialized visual acuity measurements. Evaluates pupillary light responses and measure pupil size, determine the presence or absence of fusion and perform stereoacuity measurements. The health technicians (optometry) perform Amsler grid testing, administer eye drops under the supervision of an eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist), perform basic tonometry (e.g., non-contact, Goldmann, Tono-Pen) and estimate the anterior chamber depth with a penlight or slit lamp biomicroscope. The technicians are skilled in properly reading a basic spectacle prescription using an automated or manual lensometer, obtaining accurate autorefractometry and keratometry measurements, performing confrontation and standard automated visual field testing and administering and scoring basic color vision tests (e.g., pseudoischromatic plates, Farnsworth D-15). Adept at measuring and recording corneal thickness by pachymetry as well as performance of advanced corneal measurements, exophthalmometry, tear testing and ocular imaging (e.g., stereo fundus photography, basic slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular lens master measurements, ocular ultrasonography, posterior segment optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence and/or ocular angiography). Provides day-to-day direction of volunteers and optometry trainees to ensure that program goals are met, that clinical care flows smoothly, and assigned tasks are completed in a timely manner. Maintains effective control of the optometry work area by assisting to coordinate and organize the workflow to expedite care delivery. Keeps current in new techniques and technological advances as employed by the eye clinic. Consults with bio-med and maintenance personnel within the VA to report daily equipment problems, notifies supervisor of issues. Anticipates needs for supplies and equipment and notifies supervisor. Assists in training and in-service programs to aid in the instruction of nurses and physicians on procedures, operation and/or maintenance of new and existing medical equipment. Assists with establishing written procedures and protocol for use with new medical equipment. Assists scheduler in scheduling patients for exams at the VAMC to provide prompt medical care. Documents the patient's testing results and data into EHMR (or similar automated patient medical record system) for co-signature by a staff optometrist or ophthalmologist. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 7:30am to 4:00pm 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