Exciting Career Opportunity: Health Technician (Ophthalmology) in Marietta, Georgia

Are you a skilled ophthalmic professional looking to make a lasting impact on the lives of military Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Atlanta VA Medical Center, is currently hiring a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the GS-08 Full Performance Level in Marietta, Georgia.

This position offers dedicated eye care professionals the chance to work alongside world-class clinical teams, utilize cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, and serve the brave men and women who served our country. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about this position, including core duties, salary structure, application steps, and employee benefits.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is rooted in President Lincoln's historic mandate: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

As part of the Veterans Health Administration—the largest integrated health care system in the United States—the Atlanta VA Medical Center network delivers compassionate, whole-health clinical services. Employees at the VA enjoy an inclusive environment, strong clinical support systems, modern medical infrastructure, and a shared passion for patient advocacy.

Job Summary & Key Responsibilities

As a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the GS-08 level, you will serve as a vital liaison between Veteran patients and ophthalmologists or optometrists. You will perform standard and complex diagnostic testing, prepare patients for clinical evaluations, assist during outpatient surgical interventions, and maintain critical optical equipment.

Key Clinical Duties Include:

Diagnostic Procedures & Imaging: Perform Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the retina, optic nerve, and anterior segment. Conduct fundus photography, external eye photography, pachymetry, keratometry, and automated visual field testing.
Patient History & Screening: Obtain detailed medical and ocular histories, chief complaints, current prescription/non-prescription ocular medications, allergies, and family history. Screen patients and triage potential ophthalmic emergencies.
Visual Acuity & Refractometry: Measure distance and near visual acuity with or without correction/pinhole. Perform basic refractometry using automated refractors or habitual lens prescriptions in a phoropter, and measure eye glasses using automated or manual lensometers.
Advanced Tonometry & Pupil Testing: Perform Goldmann applanation tonometry to evaluate intraocular pressure. Execute comprehensive pupil evaluations (size, shape, symmetry, light reaction) and swinging flashlight tests to detect relative afferent pupillary defects (RAPD).
Biometry Calculations: Utilize IOL Master or equivalent optical biometry instruments to calculate intraocular lens power for surgical planning.
Surgical Assisting: Assist eye care providers during clinic-based ophthalmic procedures, including wound revisions, eyelid lesion biopsies, conjunctival/corneal cultures, anterior chamber reformations, hyphema evacuations, corneal endothelial graft repositioning, intra-vitreous injections, and laser treatments.
Patient & Student Education: Deliver pre-operative and post-operative instruction to patients and authorized representatives. Assist in clinical skills training for medical students, residents, and fellows.
Clinic Maintenance & Safety: Calibrate screening devices, manage inventory, ensure proper disinfection and sterilizing procedures, and coordinate repairs with biomedical engineering.

Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must satisfy general federal employment requirements as well as specialized medical criteria for the GS-08 grade level.

Mandatory Qualifications:

U.S. Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen (non-citizens are considered only if qualified citizen candidates are unavailable).
Certification: Must hold an active Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Language Proficiency: Must be fully proficient in spoken and written English.
Background & Security: Successful completion of a background investigation and security vetting.
Pre-Employment Screening: Must pass a physical examination and mandatory drug testing.
Vaccination Policy: Mandatory participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program for all health care personnel.
Trial Period: Requirement to complete a 1-to-2-year trial period upon appointment.

Specialized Experience:

Applicants applying for the GS-08 full performance level must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in an eye-care environment. Experience should showcase advanced tonometry, pupil evaluations, surgical assisting, and diagnostic imaging capabilities.

Role Comparison: GS-07 vs. GS-08 Level Responsibilities

The table below highlights how the expectations and tasks at the GS-08 full performance level build upon standard health technician responsibilities:

Feature / Responsibility	GS-07 Developmental Level	GS-08 Full Performance Level (Target Role)
Work Supervision	Operates under routine supervisory checks	Performs complex procedures independently
Surgical Assisting	Basic patient setup and post-op prep	Direct assistance in laser ops, biopsies, & injections
Advanced Imaging	Standard visual fields & basic photo setup	Complex OCT, corneal topography, & IOL biometry
Equipment Management	Basic cleaning and preparation	Full calibration, inventory management, & repair triage
Clinical Mentorship	Learns standard clinic protocols	Assists in training medical residents and fellows

Salary Overview & Compensation

The compensation for this full-time position is structured under the federal General Schedule (GS) pay system:

Grade Level: GS-08
Minimum Annual Salary: $59,095
Maximum Annual Salary: $76,820
Pay Interval: Per Annum (PA)
Incentives: Relocation, recruitment incentives, and PCS expenses are not authorized.

Candidates with previous federal service or active military backgrounds may qualify for higher annual leave accrual rates based on prior credible service years.

Employee Benefits & Perks

Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust, stable benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and personal well-being:

Health Benefits: Comprehensive health plans through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with substantial employer contributions.
Retirement System: Dual-tier retirement system consisting of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% government match.
Paid Time Off: Earn 13 to 26 paid vacation days annually (based on service duration), 13 paid sick days per year, and 11 official federal holidays.
Life & Long-Term Care: Access to Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and Long Term Care Insurance programs.
Work Culture: Predictable scheduling, high job security, and the satisfaction of serving military Veterans.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applications must be submitted electronically through the USAJobs portal by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the following required materials prior to starting your online application:

Detailed long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Copy of active JCAHPO COA Certification.
Official or unofficial transcripts (if applicable).
Military documentation (DD-214, SF-15, or active duty statement) for Veteran's Preference.
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for current or former federal employees.

Step 2: Access USAJobs

Visit the USAJobs posting, log into your account, and click Apply Online.

Step 3: Complete the Occupational Questionnaire

Fill out the agency-specific assessment questionnaire to verify your specialized experience and technical competence.

Step 4: Submit & Track

Review your answers, verify all documents are correctly attached, and submit your application package before the closing date. You can monitor your referral status anytime in your USAJobs account profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where is the clinic located?

This position is located at the VA clinic facilities in Marietta, Georgia, operating under the Atlanta VA Medical Center system.

Q2: Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Preference is given to qualified U.S. citizens. Non-citizens will only be considered if no qualified citizen candidates are identified in accordance with VA policy.

Q3: Is telework or remote work an option?

No. Due to the hands-on clinical nature of diagnostic testing and surgical assistance, this job requires full-time, on-site participation.

Q4: Is the seasonal flu vaccine mandatory?

Yes. All VA Health Care Personnel (HCP) must receive an annual seasonal influenza vaccine or obtain an approved medical/religious exemption.

Q5: Who can I contact for application issues?

For technical or position inquiries, you can reach out via email to the listed HR specialist at [email protected].

If you possess a JCAHPO COA certification and a passion for deliver top-tier eye care, the Health Technician (Ophthalmology) position in Marietta, GA offers an outstanding career path. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs to enjoy excellent compensation, federal benefits, and the immense honor of caring for America's Veterans. Be sure to submit your application package on USAJobs before the deadline on October 30, 2026!

Why This Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Matters

Step into a rewarding clinical role with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Marietta, GA! Serve our nation's heroes while advancing your eye-care career as a Certified Ophthalmic Health Technician.

Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a qualified Health Technician (Ophthalmology) for a full-performance GS-08 position at the Atlanta VA Medical Center clinic in Marietta, Georgia. In this role, you will perform complex diagnostic eye examinations, support clinic-based ophthalmic surgical procedures, calibrate technical equipment, and educate Veterans on ocular care. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $59,095 to $76,820 per year along with federal benefits.

Requirements for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Must be a United States Citizen (non-citizens considered only if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Current active certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through JCAHPO.
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and physical examination.
Subject to a background investigation and security clearance.
Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination mandates for health care personnel.
Ability to present REAL ID-compliant identification upon hire.
Completion of a 1-to-2-year initial trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in ophthalmic technology.
Demonstrated expertise in Goldmann applanation tonometry, pupil evaluation, and advanced refractometry.
Proven experience assisting in clinic-based minor ophthalmic surgeries and laser procedures.
Proficiency in operating Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), fundus photography, and IOL calculation devices.
Strong communication skills for patient instruction and assisting in training medical residents.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual step increases.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options (FEHB) with government contributions.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching up to 5%.
✓Generous annual paid vacation leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
✓Possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior military or non-federal experience.
✓Robust work-life balance initiatives and stable scheduling.

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job

Review the full position description and ensure your JCAHPO COA certification is current.
Click the official application link to log into or create your USAJobs account.
Upload your detailed federal resume clearly outlining your GS-07 equivalent experience.
Attach required documentation including transcripts, COA certification, and DD-214/SF-50 if applicable.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire prior to the closing deadline on October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Track your application status via your USAJobs profile under the Applications section.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience aligns with each required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA), such as tonometry, OCT, and surgical assistance.
Double-check that your JCAHPO COA certification document is uploaded and clearly legible.
If claiming Veteran's Preference, include a readable copy of your DD-214 showing character of service, and an SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference.
Be detailed in your resume regarding both paid and relevant volunteer experience, as all qualifying work is evaluated.
Submit all documentation well before the final deadline to prevent technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay scale for this position?

This position is set at the GS-08 full performance level with an annual salary range of $59,095 to $76,820.

Is telework or remote work available for this job?

No, this is a clinic-based, on-site position in Marietta, Georgia, and telework is not authorized.

Is certification mandatory prior to applying?

Yes, candidates must possess a valid Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential from JCAHPO.

Does this position require a trial period?

Yes, newly appointed employees are required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

Are relocation expenses covered?

Relocation incentives, recruitment incentives, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) expenses are not authorized for this recruitment.