Health Technician (Ophthalmology), Advanced Level

This position is eligible for Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. PRINCIPALES MISSIONS : Major duties may include, but are not limited to: The Advanced Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs the complete range of clinical functions at the full performance level and extends significantly beyond that foundation in both technical complexity and clinical independence. At this level, the technician does not simply execute standard protocols; rather, the technician applies advanced technical knowledge to adapt testing methodologies, troubleshoot equipment and clinical anomalies in real time, and generate clinically reliable data from patients whose conditions present diagnostic challenges. A defining feature of the advanced assignment is the technician's role in complex refractive assessment. The technician performs objective refractometry using retinoscopy to determine spectacle prescriptions, including cases requiring prism correction for patients with strabismus or binocular vision disorders. The technician measures eyeglass prescriptions using a manual lensometer, recording sphere, cylinder, axis, and prism values while identifying optical abnormalities that may affect visual correction. The technician independently performs tangent screen testing and demonstrates proficiency in the assessment and interpretation of isopter responses, a task that is substantially more demanding than automated perimetry. Pupil evaluation is performed in detail, including documentation of size, shape, symmetry, direct and consensual light reflexes, near response, and the detection of a relative afferent pupillary defect, a finding with significant neurologic and ophthalmologic implications. Intraocular pressure is measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry in addition to noncontact methods, requiring technical skill and proper calibration to produce accurate readings. The advanced technician participates in surgical support both in the outpatient clinic and the main operating room. In the clinic, the technician assists during laser procedures and intravitreal injections by preparing the treatment area, ensuring sterile conditions, and monitoring the patient throughout the procedure. The advanced technician also assists with microbiologic workups for patients with sight-threatening ocular infections, preparing instruments and culture media for intraocular biopsy or culture collection. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not authorized. 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 off 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 f

Salaire : $61,722 – $80,243/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?