Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Ophthalmology Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) support Ophthalmologists in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, follow-up care and patient counseling. The Full Performance Health Technician (Ophthalmology) performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures, assists during clinic-based surgical procedures, educates patients and legal representatives, assists with the education of medical students and residents. The major duties of this position will include: * Perform advanced tonometry and pupil evaluation; * Perform calculations for selection of intraocular lens; * Knowledge of clinic based ophthalmic surgical assisting including preparation of the surgical field; * 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. Clinical 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 nonprescription 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 (drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilating drops, cycloplegic drops , or antibiotics). * Measures intraocular pressure with standard techniques, including Goldmann applanation tonometry. * Performs pachymetry to determine corneal thickness and manual keratometry or automated topography to determine corneal curvature. * Performs intra-ocular lens calculations using an IOL Master or equivalent device. * Performs 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. * Performs patient screening and triage of potentially urgent ocular conditions. * Assists during clinic-based ophthalmic surgery, including revision of wounds, biopsies of the eyelid lesions, cultures of conjunctiva, or cornea; reformation of anterior chamber, evacuation of hyphema, repositioning of corneal endothelial grafts, intra-vitreous injections, and laser surgical procedures. * Educates patients and legal authorized representatives in eye care, including preoperative and postoperative instructions. * 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. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93303-A, 93302-A, 93301-A, 93300-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Created: 2026-04-15