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USAJOBS · 2 months ago

Ophthalmology Technician

Hampton, Virginia, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$56K/yr - $73K/yr

1+ years exp

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking Ophthalmology Technicians for the Hampton VA Medical Center. The role involves providing technical clinical care to patients undergoing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care by Ophthalmologists.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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 (e.g., anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, artificial tears, ocular hypotensive/pressure lowering agents, cycloplegic, or antibiotics)

Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques (e.g., rebound or applanation tonometry)

Assists with appropriate frame selection and measurement

Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature

Performs confrontation visual field assessment and 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

Ensures proper cleaning and disinfection; calibration, maintenance, backup, annual inventory and ordering of instruments, supplies, and equipment; obtains quotes as needed; and reports needed repairs to Biomedical Engineering/Healthcare Technology Management and Office of Connected Care Help Desk

Ability to educate patients about specific ocular disease processes once diagnosis provided by the provider

Understanding of advanced ocular diagnostics including OCT, fundus photographs, visual field testing, image middleware systems (e.g., Forum) and how the equipment/images are transferred across the network to VistA Imaging and middleware/eye PACS system

Ability to review medical records and triage patients to the appropriate eye care delivery model including, but not limited to, telehealth appointments, in-person comprehensive eye appointment, subspecialty eye appointment, and community care

Ability to triage patient issues over the phone or other virtual methods and identify the correct eye care delivery method that the patient should utilize

Qualification

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic diagnostic equipmentPatient history assessmentVisual acuity testingIntraocular pressure measurementPatient educationBasic disinfection proceduresCommunication skills

Required

Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Subject to background/security investigation

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

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

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

Certification: All applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO)

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy

Failure to obtain COA certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment and may result in termination of employment

Health Technician (Ophthalmology) must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of appointment

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

Benefits

37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

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

Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)