Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
Direct Jobs, The Villages, FL, United States
Overview
PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. Note: This is an external announcement open to all US citizens. Veterans Preference applies to all applicants. Current permanent VA/Federal employees may apply under announcement CBTC-12914018-26-AF to receive internal consideration.
Qualifications
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
Citizenship
Citizen of the United States
(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA policy
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) 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)
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
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)
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
Health Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
Reference
For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing - walking - bending lifting and carry of light items
The work requires above average agility and dexterity
The work may require assistance in moving or in lifting wheelchair patients.
Duties
Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis - treatment - prevention - follow-up care and patient counseling
The Health Technician performs a range of standard - but complex - diagnostic procedures - assists during clinic-based surgical procedures - educates patients and legal representatives in clinic - through video conference or phone interactions - assists with the education of medical students and residents - maintains the clinic in excellent form - complies with all requirements for self-training and education - supports the ancillary staff in maintaining clinic flow
The ophthalmology technician works under the guidance and supervision of the clinic ophthalmologists - but also relies in senior ophthalmology technician or ophthalmology technician supervisor for direction - assistance and counseling
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Checks and performs calibration of technical ophthalmology screening instruments
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 non-prescription medications
Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near - with and without correction or with and without a pinhole
Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer - recording sphere - cylinder - axis - and prism in both plus and minus cylinder
Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size - shape - symmetry - reaction to light and accommodation
Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect
Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter
Instills eye medications (drops or ointments - including anesthetic - dye - dilating drops - cycloplegic drops - or antibiotics)
Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques - including Goldmann applanation tonometry
Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature
Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device
Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines
Performs external photographs and fundus photography
Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment - retina and optic nerve
Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions
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 - intra-vitreous injections - and laser surgical procedures
Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care - including preoperative and postoperative instructions
Assists in the education and training of medical students - residents and fellows in those facilities with medical school affiliations
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
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Functional Statement #: 05710F
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. Note: This is an external announcement open to all US citizens. Veterans Preference applies to all applicants. Current permanent VA/Federal employees may apply under announcement CBTC-12914018-26-AF to receive internal consideration.
Qualifications
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
Citizenship
Citizen of the United States
(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA policy
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) 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)
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
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)
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
Health Technician (Ophthalmology) - GS-8 (Full Performance Level) Experience
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)
In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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
Reference
For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements
The work is primarily sedentary but also requires some standing - walking - bending lifting and carry of light items
The work requires above average agility and dexterity
The work may require assistance in moving or in lifting wheelchair patients.
Duties
Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis - treatment - prevention - follow-up care and patient counseling
The Health Technician performs a range of standard - but complex - diagnostic procedures - assists during clinic-based surgical procedures - educates patients and legal representatives in clinic - through video conference or phone interactions - assists with the education of medical students and residents - maintains the clinic in excellent form - complies with all requirements for self-training and education - supports the ancillary staff in maintaining clinic flow
The ophthalmology technician works under the guidance and supervision of the clinic ophthalmologists - but also relies in senior ophthalmology technician or ophthalmology technician supervisor for direction - assistance and counseling
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Checks and performs calibration of technical ophthalmology screening instruments
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 non-prescription medications
Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near - with and without correction or with and without a pinhole
Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer - recording sphere - cylinder - axis - and prism in both plus and minus cylinder
Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size - shape - symmetry - reaction to light and accommodation
Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect
Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter
Instills eye medications (drops or ointments - including anesthetic - dye - dilating drops - cycloplegic drops - or antibiotics)
Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques - including Goldmann applanation tonometry
Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature
Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device
Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines
Performs external photographs and fundus photography
Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment - retina and optic nerve
Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions
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 - intra-vitreous injections - and laser surgical procedures
Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care - including preoperative and postoperative instructions
Assists in the education and training of medical students - residents and fellows in those facilities with medical school affiliations
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
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Functional Statement #: 05710F
#J-18808-Ljbffr