Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

The Charleston VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Health Technician (Ophthalmology). This position supports Ophthalmologists in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and monitoring eye conditions while providing patient education and follow-up care. The incumbent performs complex diagnostic testing, assists with clinic-based surgical procedures, educates patients and representatives, and supports the training of medical students and residents in Surgical Service, Ophthalmology Section.

Duties

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

Major duties may include, but are not limited to:

The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the full performance level independently conducts patient intake and clinical assessments, performing a thorough review of the patient's chief complaint, pertinent ocular and systemic medical history, current medications including topical and systemic eye-related drugs, known allergies, family history of eye disease, and social history relevant to visual function. The technician accurately documents findings in the electronic health record and communicates relevant information to the supervising ophthalmologist prior to the clinical examination.

The technician performs the full scope of standard ophthalmic diagnostic testing with accuracy and efficiency. This includes measurement of distance and near visual acuity using standard and low-vision charts, automated and confrontational visual field testing to screen for peripheral vision defects, and color vision screening using standardized testing methods. The technician measures intraocular pressure using non-contact tonometry and other approved methods and calibrates instruments regularly to ensure reliable results. Automated refraction is performed to obtain objective estimates of refractive error as part of routine patient preparation.

The technician prepares and operates specialized ophthalmic equipment, ensures proper patient positioning and fixation during imaging, and verifies image quality before concluding the testing sequence. Findings are uploaded to the electronic health record and flagged for provider review as appropriate.

The technician performs preliminary slit lamp evaluation to assess the anterior segment for conditions such as corneal abnormalities and anterior chamber depth and instills dilating agents in preparation for a comprehensive fundus examination. The technician screens spectacle prescriptions using automated lensometry and documents current correction for the clinical record. Pachymetry, stereoacuity testing, glare testing, potential acuity measurements, and tear production testing are performed as part of the diagnostic workup for appropriate patients.

The technician explains procedures clearly at an appropriate health literacy level, answers patient questions within the scope of the technician role, and documents educational interventions. In facilities with training programs, the technician assists in orienting and instructing medical students, residents, and other trainees in basic ophthalmic techniques.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:30pm
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not aithorized.
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Appointment Above Minimum Rate).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:62401F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Requirements