Health Technician (Optometry)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Charleston VA Medical Center is seeking a GS-7 Health Technician (Optometry). The role includes independent optical measurements, prescription fitting/verification, and repairs, with patient education and clinical support for Optometry.

The position supports clinic efficiency and Veteran satisfaction. Candidates should meet the experience/education requirements and be proficient in English as required by VA policy.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in health care OR two academic years above high school with related health technician coursework or an associate degree, or equivalent combination.
• Examples include courses in health technician/optometry and related subjects.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent optician services including optical measurements, prescription fitting and verification.
• Perform repairs and adjustments and ensure proper eyewear fit and satisfaction.
• Educate patients on eye health and vision conditions; support Optometry clinic workflow.

Skills

Optometry measurements

Patient education

Clinical support

Education

Two years of college in health-related field

Associate degree in health technician/optometry

Tools

Optical measurement instruments

Prescription verification tools

Job description

The GS-7 Health Technician provides independent optician services with the Charleston VAMC. Duties include optical measurements, prescription fitting and verification, repairs and adjustments, patient education, and clinical support for Optometry. The non-supervisory role promotes quality eyewear, clinic efficiency, Veteran satisfaction, and interdisciplinary coordination.

United States Citizenship

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. Health Technician (Optometry) candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Experience

Experience. One year of experience as a health technician or assistant in the health care field demonstrating the applicant's ability to perform the work or by demonstrating a basic understanding of work in the health care field; OR Education. Successful completion of two academic years above high school with a minimum of 12 semester hours related to health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant or associate degree, or completion of an independent study course in an optometry related technician or assistant field; OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Examples are listed below:

• (a) Six months of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge of optometry assistant theory and practices and general understanding of the health technician/assistant duties and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health technician/assistant or health technician (optometry)/assistant related courses.
• (b) Successful completion of a course for health care technicians or assistants, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training in a program given by the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Maritime Service, or the U.S. Public Health Service, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis. 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).

Health Technician (Optometry), GS-07 Experience

Health Technician (Optometry), GS-07 Experience. One year of experience comparable to the next lower level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In addition to meeting the experience or educational requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Ability to determine preliminary objective estimate and/or refinement of the optical status of the eye, not to include the patient's final subjective refraction.
• Ability to triage walk-in optical issues; resolve minor concerns independently.
• Perform complex optical measurements (PD, segment height, base curve, prism) using digital/manual instruments.
• Ability to perform repairs and adjustments; dispense eyewear ensuring fit, function, satisfaction.
• Support Optometry clinical workflow (pre-exam readiness, imaging prep, optical measurements).
• Independently verify prescriptions; reconcile spectacle orders; resolve discrepancies before fabrication.
• Knowledge and ability to provide advanced patient education for eye health and/or vision conditions

Preferred Experience

At least one year of hands-on experience in optical dispensing, ophthalmic/optical support. Strong customer skills. Experience performing optical measurements such as pupillary distance, segment height and other measurements necessary for fitting and dispensing eyewear. Experience in selecting, fitting, adjusting, repairing, and dispensing eyewear. Experience in verifying ophthalmic prescriptions inspecting eyewear for accuracy and identifying discrepancies.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements per VA Handbook 5019.

Functional

Heavy lifting over 45 lbs., Pushing, reaching above shoulder, both hands required, walking, kneeling, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, vision/eyeglasses permitted, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability.

Environmental

Working on uneven or slippery walking surfaces, working around moving objects, working with hands in water, working closely with others and alone