Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

Experience. One year of experience in a health care field, such as but not limited to nursing, medical assistant, or health technician.

OR

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. (transcripts required)

OR

Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying. (transcripts required)

Examples are listed below:

1. Six months of experience in the health care field; and one year above high school; or
2. 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
3. Six months of experience in the health care field and completion of an independent study course in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting.

Certification. All applicants 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). (certification required)

In addition to the BASIC REQUIREMENTS, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.

HEALTH TECHNICIAN (OPHTHALMOLOGY) GS-08 GRADE DETERMINATION:

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.

Examples of experience include but are not limited to: Experience triaging patient phone calls or requests; ensuring exam rooms are stocked with adequate supplies; instructing patients on administration of eye drops and post-operative instructions; accurately measuring, comparing, and evaluating pupillary responses; administering eye drops to dilate pupils; performing basic color vision screening; performing visual field testing (using Amsler grid or automated equipment); performing basic imaging testing such as corneal topography; external photography; performing 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; assisting the ophthalmologist during minor ophthalmic surgical procedures and is adept at applying sterile technique and infection control procedures; and performing autorefractor to determine spectacle prescription.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation;
• Ability to perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens;
• Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting;
• Knowledge of eye anatomy and physiology;
• Knowledge of medication effects and proper instillation in the eye;
• Knowledge of optics; and
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment.

REFERENCES: VA HANDBOOK 5005/98 PART II, APPENDIX G52

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements : The work is performed in an office setting. The position requires some standing, bending, and carrying items such as training materials. perform the work.