Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) perform functions such as technical clinical care to patients who have received care provided by Ophthalmologists for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Certification for GS-8 level: Must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA certification is JCAHPO's entry-level certification examination for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology). Basic experience and education requirements: (1) Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician. OR (2) Education. Two years above high school with a minimum of six semester hours directly related to a health care field or associate's degree in a health care related degree. OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. Examples are listed below (a) Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or ophthalmology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces; or (c) Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting. Preferred Experience: Certification by JCAHPO for minimum Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Previous experience working with ophthalmology practice Grade Determinations: Experience: (GS-8) Experience: You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. Experience includes: triages patient phone calls or requests; ensures exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructs patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measures, compares, and evaluates pupillary responses; administers eye drops to dilate pupils; performs basic color vision screening; performs visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment). Performs basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performs basic ocular testing such as pachymetry, tear production with test strips, glare testing, stereo acuity, contrast sensitivity, potential acuity meter, measuring spectacles using both automated and manual lensometry and transposing cylinders. assists the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures. Performs autorefractor to determine spectacle prescription. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following (KSAs).: GS-8: In addition to the experience and KSA's equivalent to the GS-7 level, you must meet all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation; 2. Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens; 3. Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting; 4. Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology; 5. Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye; 6. Knowledge of optics; and 7. Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005 APPENDIX G32. HEALTH TECHNICIAN (OPHTHALMOLOGY) GS-0640 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds Straight pulling (1 hour) Pushing (1 hour) Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers both hands required Walking (4 hours) Standing (4 hours) Kneeling (0.5 hours) Repeated bending (1 hour) Both legs required Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4 Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other Both eyes required Depth perception Ability to distinguish basic colors Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid permitted) ["Duties include but are not limited to the following: Clinical Responsibilities GS-8 Level Checks and performs calibration of technical ophthalmology screening instruments 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 Accurately tests visual acuity at distance and near, with and without correction or with and without a pinhole Measures eyeglass prescription using manual or automated lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism in both plus and minus cylinder Performs pupil evaluation recording pupil size, shape, symmetry, reaction to light and accommodation. Performs swinging flashlight test to detect a relative afferent pupillary defect Performs basic refractometry utilizing an auto refraction or habitual glass prescription in the phoropter Instills eye medications (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegic drops, or antibiotics Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines Performs external photographs and fundus photography Performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions 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 Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions Assists in the education and training of medical students, residents and fellows in those facilities with medical school affiliations Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments, supplies and equipment; obtains quotes as needed; and rep01ts needed repairs to biomedical engineering Customer Service Meets the needs of customers while supporting the Medical Center, Service and national VA priorities. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures: Handles conflict and veteran complaints constructively and appropriately. Collaborates with other health care staff in a manner that enhances coordination of comprehensive patient care. Maintains confidentiality of patient medical records according to policy. Stays current with required training through the VA TMS related to customer service and interpersonal skills Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30a.m. - 4:00p.m. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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