Health Technician; Ophthalmology

This Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position is in the Surgery Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System (Jamaica Plain campus).

The incumbent serves as a member of the Ophthalmology Section and performs a range of standard, but complex, diagnostic procedures with responsibility for checking calibration of instruments prior to the procedure.

• Performs optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve.
• 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, and any abnormalities, including relative afferent pupillary defect.
• Instills eye medications (i.e., drops or ointments, including anesthetic, dye, dilation, cycloplegic, or antibiotics), demonstrating proper technique and documenting the technician workup in the medical record.
• Measures intraocular pressure of the eye utilizing 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 (IOL) calculations using the IOL Master.
• Performs automated visual field testing using various perimetry machines.
• Performs external photographs and fundus photography.
• 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.

Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, child care subsidy, retirement, and insurance.

You 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.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.