Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to support eye-care teams by performing essential diagnostic tests and managing ophthalmic equipment in a clinical setting.

The role operates at the GS-8 full-performance level with responsibilities ranging from instrument calibration to patient assessment. The position emphasizes accurate history-taking, patient education, and collaboration to maintain high-quality ophthalmic care.

Qualifications

• Experience performing standard diagnostic ophthalmic tests in a clinical setting.
• Ability to obtain accurate patient histories including ocular and general medical backgrounds.
• Strong communication with patients and care teams to support efficient clinic workflow.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate ophthalmology screening instruments for accuracy.
• Test visual acuity at distance and near with/without correction or pinhole.
• Measure refractive parameters including sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism.
• Perform pupil evaluation and swinging flashlight test.
• Conduct basic refractometry and administer eye medications as prescribed.
• Record intraocular pressure using standard techniques.
• Support intra-ocular lens calculations and imaging procedures.
• Assist during ophthalmic procedures and educate patients pre/postoperatively.

Skills

Patient history taking

Ophthalmic instrumentation

Clinical communication

Tools

Ophthalmic devices (auto refractor, tonometer)

IOL Master/keratometer

Fundus photography equipment

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

A Health Technician (Ophthalmology) supports eye-care providers by conducting basic diagnostic tests, gathering accurate patient information, and operating ophthalmic equipment. The technician prepares exam or telehealth rooms, assists with visual screenings and imaging, and helps maintain efficient clinic workflow to ensure high-quality patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities 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 non-prescription medications. iii.

Accurately tests visual acuity at a 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. x. 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, intra-vitreous 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. Work Schedule: Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need.

Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 58627F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position: Not Authorized Functional Statement 58627F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized

Requirements & 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/.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience includes both paid and unpaid work, such as service through programs like Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other volunteer or community organizations. Volunteer work can build valuable skills and competencies that translate to paid employment. All qualifying experience-including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs conducts pre-employment reference checks to verify candidate information, gain insight into their abilities, and support hiring managers in making final selection decisions. VA policy ensures that applicants are not denied employment due to financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $59095 – $76820/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.