Health Technician (Ophthalmology-Advanced Level)

Veterans Health Administration; Winter Park (FL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Technician (Ophthalmology-Advanced Level) with Veterans Health Administration supports ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The advanced level performs difficult ophthalmic duties with significant independent judgment.

The role includes refractometry, imaging, ultrasound, lens calculations, and potential involvement in laser and intravitreal procedures, with opportunities to train other technicians.

Qualifications

• Education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions.
• Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency for credit.

Responsibilities

• Performs refractometry using retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescriptions.
• Conducts kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann) and intraocular pressure measurements.
• Records pupil size, shape, reaction to light and accommodation; evaluates anterior segment before dilation.
• Performs A-scan ultrasonography and calculates intraocular lens power.
• Performs B-scan ultrasonography and keratometry/topography measurements.
• Performs fluorescein or ICG angiography and diagnostic photography of retinal vessels.
• Assists in minor surgical procedures and scrub in main operating room; handles phacoemulsification and vitrectomy equipment.
• Schedules Monday–Friday, 0730–1600; telework not available.

Job description

Health Technician (Ophthalmology-Advanced Level)

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. At the Advanced Level, Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities

The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the advanced level performs difficult ophthalmic technical duties with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Duties include but are not limited to: Performs refractometry utilizing retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescription. Kinetic visual field testing (Goldmann). Intraocular pressure measurements by applanation tonometry and other current methods.

Pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect. Basic slit lamp biomicroscopy evaluation to check for abnormalities prior to dilation (i.e.: anterior chamber depth/iris anomalies). May perform advanced color vision testing of the entire visual spectrum to detect complex color vision defects such as monochromats, dichromats and anomalous trichromats.

Measures eyeglass prescriptions using manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis and prism in both plus and minus cylinder. Performs A-scan ultrasonography, including intra-ocular lens calculations, using immersion A-scan on eyes with complex pathology such as corneal scarring, irregular and/or high astigmatism, zonular weakness, high refractive error that requires multiple alternative calculating formulas.

Performs B-scan ultrasonography to identify intraocular masses or abnormalities. Determines the corneal curvature by either manual keratometry or automated topography. Performs fluorescein or indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, with diagnostic photography of retinal vessels. Performs slit lamp photography. May perform anterior segment OCT, confocal microscopy, electroretinography, electrooculography, and visual evoked potential.

Assists in minor clinical surgical procedures, including laser surgery and intravitreal injections. May assist as scrub technician in main OR surgical procedures, set up of sterile fields, operation and maintenance of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy units, cryosurgery, endolaser units, all of which require a thorough understanding of complex instrumentation and the ability to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently during surgical procedures and care of instruments.

Assists with the microbiology testing of patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instrumentation and media for intraocular biopsy and/or culture. Performs thorough preparatory cleaning of critical reusable medical equipment used in surgical procedures. Responsible for training other health technicians (ophthalmology). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600 Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 81996F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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/.

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 $61722 – $80243/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-05.

Who is eligible to apply?

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