This position is organizationally aligned to the Specialty Service at the VA Illiana Health Care System - a Level 3 Complexity VHA Facility in Danville, IL. The primary purpose is to serve as health technician for the staff Optometrists within the Specialty Service, performing a variety of health care and clinical support responsibilities that are directly related to the position.

Duties

Collaborates and assists members of the health care team in data collection, visual screening (near vision, distance vision, condition of the pupil and intraocular pressure), and general care for patients ranging in age from 18 to geriatric. Obtains and records all patient data clearly and accurately in the electronic medical record. Independently orients patient and sets up equipment in preparation of routine tests. Measures and records corrected and uncorrected visual acuities and distance and near. Determines if vision can be improved with minor changes to lens or pinhole device. Measures and records the optical power of the spectacle correction using a lensometer. Measures refractive error and corneal curvature using automated instrumentation. Performs testing of contrast sensitivity, color vision, stereo acuity, glare sensitivity, and pupil function. Performs basic ocular motility testing. Administers cycloplegic and mydriatic drugs for fundus examination. Assists the physician in performing specialized procedures including applanation tonometry, pachymetry, and keratometry. Performs advanced color vision testing, corneal topography, lens biometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior and posterior segment, A and B scan ultrasound, anterior segment photography, and fundus photography. Performs preliminary manifest refractions. Accurately measures and records both central and peripheral visual fields using both automated and manual visual field testing instrumentation. Instills drops and ointments in the patient's eyes as directed by the optometrist. Dispenses contact lenses to include instructing the patient and insertion and removal techniques. Assists with assessing visual acuity and contrast sensitivity for patients with low vision or blindness in low vision rehabilitation clinics. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Health Technician (Optometry) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: English: Must beproficient in spoken and written English. Experience: Must have (1) 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: Must have successfully completed 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: Must have the equivalent combinations of experience and education. 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. In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must also meet the following grade specific requirements: GS-8 Specialized Experience: Must have (1) one year of experience comparable to the next lower level (GS-7) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities related to the duties of the position to be filled. Experience includes: measuring and recording visual acuity, obtaining accurate potential acuity meter, laser interferometry, contrast sensitivity or other specialized visual acuity measurements. Evaluating pupillary light responses and measuring pupil size, determining the presence or absence of fusion and perform stereoacuity measurements. In addition, candidates must be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (a) Ability to provide patient education and training to manage complex eye and vision conditions. (b) Knowledge of advanced triage of patients depending upon level of urgency or optometry needs. (c) Knowledge of complex, non-standard treatment and/or complex examinations and techniques. (d) Knowledge of ocular pharmacology and systemic medications with ocular side effects. References: VA Handbook 5005/98, Part II, Appendix G52. Health Technician (Optometry) Qualification Standard, dated April 9, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: The work requires walking, standing, sitting, bending, and helping patients into and out of the examination chairs.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Danville VA Medical Center 1900 East Main Street Danville, IL 61832 US
• Name: Lyndsay Thomas
• Phone: 217-510-8036
• Email: [email protected]