Advance Your Career: Lead Ophthalmology Technician at the Ralph H. Johnson VA

Are you a dedicated Ophthalmic Assistant looking for a leadership role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) at the Ralph H. Johnson VA facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina. This position offers a unique chance to combine your technical expertise in eye care with clinical leadership responsibilities, directly impacting the well-being of those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Health Technician, you will be responsible for complex diagnostic duties and team coordination. Key tasks include:

Performing pupil evaluation and advanced color vision testing.
Executing refractometry and lensometry using manual and automated equipment.
Conducting A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography for complex ocular pathologies.
Assisting surgeons during procedures, including managing sterile fields and troubleshooting vitrectomy equipment.
Coordinating work distribution and monitoring accuracy within the ophthalmology technical team.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Current COA certification (Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) through JCAHPO.
Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
Ability to meet physical requirements, including standing, bending, and lifting moderate equipment.
Must pass a pre-employment physical and background check.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this GS-9 level position ranges from $61,722 to $80,243 annually. The VA offers regular step-based salary increases and recognizes unique qualifications when setting the starting rate.

Position Level	Salary Range	Schedule Type
Lead Health Tech (GS-09)	$61,722 - $80,243	Full-Time (M-F)

Benefits

Working with the VA means accessing a robust federal benefits package:

Retirement: Traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% matching.
Healthcare: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Stability: Secure federal employment with professional development opportunities.
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, with the potential for service credit for previous experience.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Use your resume to detail exactly how your experience translates to the duties listed. Quantify your surgical or diagnostic volume where possible.
Check Documents: Ensure your COA certification and any educational transcripts are attached before submitting.
Follow the Portal: Use the USAJOBS online portal for all submissions and check your status via the link provided in your applicant account.

If you are an experienced Ophthalmic professional ready to step into a leadership role, the Ralph H. Johnson VA invites you to apply. This role offers the perfect balance of hands-on patient care and administrative growth. Apply today to help us provide the best care possible to our nation's heroes.

Why This Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Matters

Advance your career in eye care with the VA, providing world-class diagnostic support to those who served our nation.

Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Overview

The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to join our clinical team in Goose Creek, South Carolina. This role is central to our mission, providing critical technical support for ophthalmic diagnostics, patient counseling, and surgical assistance. You will work within a collaborative environment, ensuring our veterans receive the highest standard of vision care through advanced imaging and testing procedures.

Requirements for Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

U.S. Citizenship (unless recruitment of qualified citizens is not possible).
Current certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) with the JCAHPO.
Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Subject to a background and security investigation.
Drug testing for designated positions.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology)

Proven leadership experience within technology-based eye care services.
Strong ability to plan, organize, and monitor technical workloads.
Expertise in communicating complex clinical data to various staff levels.
Demonstrated skill in staff development and strategic resource planning.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Competitive salary with opportunities for step increases.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Long-term care insurance options.

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

Application Steps for Lead Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume and supporting documentation (Certifications, SF-50 if applicable, transcripts).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in a healthcare or ophthalmic setting; do not assume the reviewer knows your duties.
Clearly highlight leadership or supervisory experience to stand out for this 'Lead' position.
Verify that your JCAHPO certification is active and clearly documented.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues near the deadline.
Review your application package for completeness to avoid disqualification due to missing documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Ophthalmology Lead Health Technician?

You will perform high-level diagnostic tests like A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, support surgical procedures, and provide guidance and coordination for other technicians.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located at the facility in Goose Creek, SC, and does not support remote or telework arrangements.

What if I do not have a degree?

You can qualify through a combination of experience and education, or specific military healthcare training, provided you maintain your COA certification.

Do I need a degree to qualify?

Not necessarily. You may qualify through a combination of healthcare experience and education (or specific military medical training) if you hold a valid COA certification.

Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?

Relocation incentives are not currently listed for this position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs provides world-class healthcare to Veterans in the Lowcountry region. As part of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we are committed to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for our Veterans and their families. Our team values clinical excellence, compassion, and professional integrity.