Health Technician (Optometry)

Veterans Health Administration

Johnson City (TN)

On-site

USD 56,000 - 73,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Veterans Health Administration in Johnson City, TN is seeking an experienced Health Technician (Optometry) at the advanced level to perform and interpret advanced color vision testing, perimetry, and ophthalmic imaging. The role includes advanced triage, patient education, and training for complex eye conditions.

The incumbent works Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm, in a non-telework clinic, with duties spanning imaging, refractive workups, and coordination of ancillary testing as directed by the

Qualifications

Education recognition by US Department of Education is required for federal qualification.
Experience with advanced eye testing and imaging is preferred.
Knowledge of chronic eye conditions and patient education is expected.

Responsibilities

Provide education and training for complex eye and vision conditions.
Perform advanced ocular testing and triage of patients by urgency.
Handle imaging, measurements, and refractive testing as part of care.
Assist with scheduling, patient communication, and clinic workflows.

Skills

Color vision testing

Advanced perimetry

Ophthalmic imaging

Patient education

Triage

Complex eye conditions

Tools

OCT

A-scan

B-scan

Humphrey VF

Topography

Tonometry

Pachymetry

Auto refractor

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Health Technician (Optometry) at the advanced level demonstrates knowledge of complex examinations and techniques, including advanced color vision testing, advanced perimetry, and advanced ophthalmic imaging and diagnostic testing. The Health Technician (Optometry) provides advanced triage of patients, as well as patient education and training for complex eye and vision conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to: Provide education and training to manage complex eye and vision conditions. Requires extensive knowledge of chronic eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc, and will provide advanced patient education on managing conditions. Assists with advance triage of patients depending upon level of urgency or optometry needs. DMV forms, Lid lesion with w/u and consent, manage secure messages in a timely manner.

Assist patients with eye anatomy and ocular symptoms and will determine the urgency of the patients need to be seen and how quickly in person and or over the phone. Ability to address and resolve patient complaints and/or concerns and addressing patient health technician(optometry) relationships Knowledge of complex, non-standard treatment and/or complex examinations and techniques. The incumbent determines what ancillary testing is needed before seeing the provider.

Testing includes the following: Color vision Ishihara and D14 plates, Ophthalmic photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), A-scans, B-scans, Humphrey Visual Field testing, Goldmann Visual fields, Corneal Topography, FDT, Slit Lamp Imaging, Goldmann Tonometry. Ability to perform testing using multiple handheld instruments, Pachymetry, Perkins Tonometry, Tonopen, Icare, and Auto Refractors.

Accurately enter into a phoropter the autorefractometry or habitual refractive prescription (i.e., eyeglasses prescription) or lensometer findings, including sphere, cylinder and axis. Perform patient spectacle fitting and dispensing, including selection of appropriate frame, ophthalmic lenses, interpupillary measurements (distance and near) and proper segment height determination, as well as the ability to transpose sphere, cylinder and axis.

Knowledge of ocular pharmacology and systemic medications with ocular side effects. The Incumbent is responsible for educating the patients on how to instill glaucoma eye gtts, lubricating gtts, steroid gtts, eye vitamins and ointments. Knowledge and ability to apply appropriate eye medications as directed and under guidelines specified and follow eye clinic and patient care medical policies and procedures. Knowledge of ocular side effects from systemic medications.

Oversee clinic reusable medical equipment (RME) disinfection activities, including research, ordering and updating SOP's. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60297-F 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 $55882 – $72644/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.