Health Technician (Optometry)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Health Technician (Optometry) to support Optometrists in providing comprehensive eye healthcare. This role includes performing diagnostic procedures, assisting in surgical settings, and educating patients about eye health issues. Candidates should have relevant experience or education, and strong patient care skills are imperative. This position offers a dynamic environment within the eye clinic, focusing on patient interaction and support.

Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience in health technician roles, especially in optometry.
• Ability to perform diagnostic procedures and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic procedures related to eye health.
• Assist during surgical procedures in the clinic.
• Provide patient education and counseling on eye health.

Skills

Patient Education

Optometry Procedures Assistance

Triage and Manage Eyeglass Issues

Education

Two academic years above high school in health-related field

Associate degree in Optometry-related field

One year of experience in healthcare field

Job description

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Health Technician (Optometry). The Health Technician (Optometry) will function in Surgical Service.

Duties

Optometry Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Optometrists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care, and patient counseling. The Full Performance Health Technician (Optometry) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, assists during clinic-based surgical procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, and assists with the education of medical students and residents. The Full Performance Health Technician (Optometry) may perform many "direct patient care services" under the supervision of an Optometrist.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performing diagnostic procedures related to eye health and vision.
• Assisting during surgical procedures in the clinic.
• Providing patient education and counseling on eye health.
• Supporting the education of medical students and residents.
• Performing direct patient care services under supervision.

Requirements

Qualifications

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: Proficient in spoken and written English as per 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Experience and Education:
- One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the healthcare field, demonstrating the ability to perform the work, or
- Successful completion of two academic years above high school with at least 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant, or an associate degree, or
- An independent study course in an optometry-related technician or assistant field.
- Licensure/Certification/Registration: None required; may qualify via Grandfathering Provision if applicable.

Grade Determinations

Health Technician (Optometry), GS-07

• One year of experience comparable to the next lower level demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the duties of the position.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Ability to determine preliminary optical status of the eye.
  • Ability to triage and manage eyeglasses issues.
  • Ability to assess accommodation, near point of convergence, and ocular alignment.
  • Ability to assist the eye care provider with ophthalmic procedures.
  • Ability to assist with obtaining ocular cultures and smears.
  • Knowledge to provide patient education on eye health and vision conditions.

Preferred Experience

• Ophthalmic imaging in OCT, Spectralis, Clarus, Visual Fields, and Cirrus.
• Experience in Eye Clinic/hospital/direct patient care.
• Experience as a health technician.

Physical Requirements

The incumbent must have dexterity and agility to handle fragile eyeglasses, contact lenses, and microscopic instruments. The work is primarily sedentary but involves physical exertion such as lifting, assisting wheelchair patients, and operating equipment with one hand while holding the patient's eyelids open with the other. Extended periods of standing and bending are common. The work environment is the Eye Clinic, with potential exposure to communicable diseases requiring adherence to infection control protocols.

This job is currently active and accepting applications.