Become a Health Technician (Optician) with the VA in Tulsa
Are you an experienced optician looking to pivot your career toward a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently accepting applications for a Health Technician (Optician) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This position is a cornerstone of the VA Eye Care Optical Services, ensuring that the men and women who have served our country receive the high-quality vision care they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, you will be responsible for the full spectrum of optical service delivery. Your primary duties will include:
- Patient Care: Educating Veterans on eyewear and providing expert fittings and adjustments.
- Technical Duties: Utilizing lensometry to verify prescriptions and preparing detailed work orders for optical laboratories.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
- Repair & Maintenance: Troubleshooting optical issues and repairing defective frames.
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Competencies: Strong skills in measuring, fitting, and adjusting eyewear.
- Screening: Successful completion of background checks and drug testing.
Skills Comparison Table
| Skill Category | Key Competency | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Lensometry & Fitting | High |
| Administrative | Electronic Health Records | High |
| Interpersonal | Veteran-Centered Service | Critical |
| Operational | Time Management | Moderate |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Joining the VA comes with a robust package of benefits:
- Excellent health and life insurance.
- Reliable retirement programs.
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- A stable, standard 7:30 am – 4:00 pm schedule.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise and strictly adheres to the two-page limit. Clearly outline your optical experience, including hours worked per week. Use the USAJOBS resume builder if you are unsure how to structure your Federal application.
If you possess the technical skills and the heart to serve our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the unique chance to combine your passion for opticianry with the rewarding experience of serving those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Why This Health Technician (Optician) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting those who served our nation by providing essential optical care to Veterans in Tulsa.
Health Technician (Optician) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Optician) to join the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System. Based in the vibrant Tulsa area, this role is vital to ensuring our Veterans receive high-quality vision care. You will provide direct patient services, including fitting and adjusting eyewear, maintaining specialized optical equipment, and facilitating seamless clinical operations within our eye care team. This is an exceptional opportunity to balance clinical expertise with meaningful, patient-centered service in a supportive healthcare environment.
Requirements for Health Technician (Optician)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level
- Proficiency in measuring, fitting, and adjusting eyeglasses
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period
- Must undergo a background/security investigation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Optician)
- Prior experience working within a healthcare or clinical setting
- Demonstrated history of working with Veteran populations
- Proficiency in using electronic health record systems
- Experience managing optical inventory and preparing complex laboratory work orders
- Ability to effectively troubleshoot optical issues and educate patients on eyewear care
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within a large healthcare system
- ✓Stable work-life balance with a standard Monday-Friday schedule
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Optician) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Optician) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review the job announcement and requirements thoroughly.
- Submit your online application, including the questionnaire, by November 2, 2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessment if notified via email.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting aligns with Federal standards.
- Be specific regarding your hours worked per week; full-time is 35-40 hours.
- Ensure your resume highlights specific optical skills such as pupillary distance measurement.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s, are attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The Health Technician (Optician) provides essential optical services, including measuring, fitting, adjusting, and repairing eyeglasses for Veterans.
Is a degree required?
There is no specific educational degree required at this grade level, provided you have the necessary specialized experience, though graduate education can be substituted for experience in some cases.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
The role requires the ability to walk and stand to assist patients, along with the capacity to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
What is the closing date?
The application period closes on November 2, 2026.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public; however, qualified veterans are given full consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) is committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care to Veterans. Located at the Ernest Childers Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, our team prides itself on professional excellence and a supportive atmosphere. Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a fantastic blend of big-city amenities and a friendly, community-focused lifestyle, making it an ideal place to grow your career.