Health Technician (Optometry)

The Health Technician (Optometry) performs a range of standard, but complex, optical duties, diagnostic ophthalmic procedures, and patient education. This includes extensive optical duties to include performing glasses measurements, fittings, ordering, dispensing, adjusting, and repair of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear. They are responsible for generating important and complex diagnostic procedures to produce information to be used by the eye clinic licensed providers with whom they work. PRINCIPALES MISSIONS : Duties listed are for GS-7, lower graded duties will differ in scope and oversight. Duties include, but are not limited to: Performs optical functions including spectacle fitting, ordering, adjustment, repair; able to transpose prescriptions from plus to minus cylinder, triage optical/spectacle complaints, measure for properly fitting frames for monovision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive addition lenses and coordinates with prosthetics and fabrication laboratory for orders and corrections as needed. Independently provide direct patient care services related to patient education, verification and troubleshooting of ophthalmic lenses and eyewear. Educates the patient on lens material, lens design, frames, tints and coatings that they are eligible to receive. Assists patients in the selection and fitting of properly fitting standard and safety eyewear frames and properly adjust eyeglasses for comfortable fit and proper alignment of the optical centers and segment heights for optimal visual performance. Have the skills to repair broken or defective eyeglasses and will triage patient concerns by manual or automated lensometry verification and trouble shooting. Performs duties such as measuring and recording visual acuity, obtaining accurate potential acuity meter, laser interferometry, contrast sensitivity or other specialized visual acuity measurements. Evaluates pupillary light responses and measure pupil size, determine the presence or absence of fusion and perform stereoacuity measurements. The health technicians (optometry) perform Amsler grid testing, administer eye drops under the supervision of an eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist), perform basic tonometry and estimate the anterior chamber depth with a penlight or slit lamp biomicroscope. The technicians are skilled in properly reading a basic spectacle prescription using an automated or manual lensometer, obtaining accurate autorefractometry and keratometry measurements, performing confrontation and standard automated visual field testing and administering and scoring basic color vision tests. Adept at measuring and recording corneal thickness by pachymetry as well as performance of advanced corneal measurements, exophthalmometry, tear testing and ocular imaging. Provides day-to-day direction of volunteers and optometry trainees to ensure that program goals are met, that clinical care flows smoothly, and assigned tasks are completed in a timely manner. Assists in creating, implementing, and preparing written and oral reports for the completion of continuous or problem focused Process Improvement and Quality Assurance processes. Assists in training and in-service programs to aid in the instruction of nurses and physicians on procedures, operation and/or maintenance of new and existing medical equipment. Assists scheduler in scheduling patients for exams at the VAMC to provide prompt medical care. Documents the patient's testing results and data into EHMR for co-signature by a staff optometrist or ophthalmologist. Assists the program support clerk by responding to telephone calls and visitors to the clinic, determining the purpose of the contact and taking appropriate action. Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions. Assists Veterans and providers with coordination of care between Veterans Affairs and Community Care Programs. Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Fri

Salaire : $36,409 – $65,599/Per Year | Avantages : http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? Spokane is a family-oriented city located in beautiful eastern Washington with a regional population of 570,000. Our four-season climate and pristine surroundings offer an abundance of exceptional recreation opportunities. Spokane is known for its affordable housing, excellent schools and universities, and is the regional arts and cultural center. Walk, bike, or canoe along the Centennial Trail, cool off in one of 76 regional lakes, camp in gorgeous state parks, wrestle with whitewater rapids, and ski through fresh powder. Take a walk around Riverfront Park then see the Spokane Symphony, a show at the Opera House, or take in a play at the Civic Theater. Th