Health Technician (Optometry)

Optical Technician Duties

Duties include but not limited to:

• Provide courteous, culturally competent assistance to Veterans/caregivers; explain frame options, lens choices, pricing, timelines, expectations.
• Perform complex optical measurements (PD, segment height, base curve, prism) using digital/manual instruments.
• Ensure proper fit, comfort, safety with advanced frame adjustments (pantoscopic tilt, temple spread, nose pads).
• Document all measurements, fittings, verifications, repairs, dispenses, patient interactions in CPRS per VHA/Joint Commission standards.
• Independently verify prescriptions; reconcile spectacle orders; resolve discrepancies before fabrication.
• Ensure eye-wear meets ANSI Z80.1/Z87.1 requirements; conduct final inspection for power, axis, prism, PD, seg height, bevel fit.
• Perform repairs and adjustments; dispense eyewear ensuring fit, function, satisfaction.
• Maintain inventory organization, cleanliness, visual display; support merchandise control, record keeping, pricing accuracy.
• Provide patient education on eyeglass care, cleaning, safe handling, storage, lens adaptation; troubleshoot adaptation issues.
• Track orders; resolve missing, damaged, delayed eyewear issues; provide updates.
• Support Optometry clinical workflow (pre-exam readiness, imaging prep, optical measurements).
• Triage walk-in optical issues; resolve minor concerns independently.
• Communicate with Optometrists regarding prescription issues, adaptation concerns, lens compatibility
• Protect PHI per HIPAA, VA Handbook 6500; ensure proper system use and documentation security.

Work Schedule: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday through Friday, subject to change depending on the needs of the agency

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 (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

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 federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: FS 63620

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs