Advance Your Career as a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) with the VA
Are you a dedicated clinical professional looking to merge your passion for eye care with a mission of service? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Health Technician (Ophthalmology) for its Salisbury, North Carolina facilities. This role offers more than just a paycheck; it provides an opportunity to support those who have sacrificed for our nation while working in a high-level, diagnostic-focused medical environment.
Job Responsibilities
The Health Technician (Ophthalmology) operates at the full-performance level, performing a wide array of specialized duties including:
- Patient Triage: Obtaining detailed ocular and general medical histories.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Performing pachymetry, OCT, fundus photography, and automated visual field testing.
- Surgical Support: Assisting Ophthalmologists in clinic-based surgical procedures like eyelid biopsies, laser surgeries, and injections.
- Equipment Management: Maintaining, calibrating, and disinfecting sensitive clinical equipment to ensure accurate patient data.
- Patient Education: Guiding Veterans through pre- and post-operative instructions.
Comparison of Benefits
| Benefit Category | VA Offerings |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Federal Pension + 401K (5% match) |
| Leave | Up to 50 days (Vacation, Sick, Federal Holidays) |
| Family Support | 12 weeks Paid Parental Leave |
| Childcare | Subsidy eligibility for qualifying income |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-8 position, you must meet specific criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal employees.
- Certification: You must hold a valid Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) credential from JCAHPO.
- Experience/Education: You must satisfy the basic education and experience requirements outlined in the VHA qualification standards, typically involving a blend of healthcare experience and clinical education.
- Background Checks: Successful completion of security and suitability vetting is mandatory.
Salary Overview
The position is classified as a GS-8, with an annual salary range of $57,128 to $74,264 depending on experience and qualifications. This role includes annual pay increases and the potential for long-term career advancement within the federal system.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Federal recruiters look for evidence of your skills. Describe how your experience matches the duties in your resume.
- Upload Everything: Missing transcripts or missing certification copies are the top reasons applications are disqualified.
- Use the Portal: All applications must go through the USAJOBS system to ensure compliance.
If you are an experienced ophthalmology technician ready for a role that offers unparalleled benefits and a noble purpose, we encourage you to apply. The VA is more than a workplace—it is a community dedicated to excellence in patient care. Submit your application today to take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Matters
Elevate your ophthalmic career with the VA! Join our dedicated clinical team in North Carolina and provide vital, high-level care to our nation's heroes.
Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a skilled Health Technician (Ophthalmology) to join its team serving Veterans in the Salisbury, North Carolina area. This is a critical role that blends advanced diagnostic imaging, patient triage, and surgical assistance. You will work closely with medical professionals to ensure the highest standard of vision care for those who have served, utilizing state-of-the-art ophthalmic equipment and procedures.
Requirements for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) via JCAHPO is required
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Background and security investigation required
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Ophthalmology)
- Experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in a clinical setting
- Advanced proficiency in Goldmann applanation tonometry
- Hands-on experience with IOL Master and optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Demonstrated ability to perform pupil evaluations and complex diagnostic testing
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401K with 5% matching
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days annual leave + 13 sick days
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Child care subsidy eligibility
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Ophthalmology) Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV, ensuring all relevant clinical experience is detailed.
- Gather your JCAHPO COA certification, transcripts, and any veteran preference documentation (e.g., DD-214).
- Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire Assessment link.
- Complete the required assessments within the provided timeframe.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—detail your clinical duties, not just your job titles.
- Ensure your COA certification is current and clearly attached to your application.
- Do not wait until the final hour to submit; technical issues can delay your application.
- Review the 'Required Documents' section carefully to ensure no items are missing.
- Take advantage of practice materials found in the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position requiring work at various North Carolina locations, including the Salisbury Medical Center, Kernersville HCC, and Charlotte HCC.
What is the certification requirement?
Applicants must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?
Yes, but it must be evaluated by an accredited private organization to prove equivalency to a U.S. degree.
What if I don't have all my certifications yet?
*A: Certification is a mandatory requirement. You must hold your COA certification to qualify for this specific role.*
Can I work from home?
*A: This is a clinical position requiring physical presence at the Salisbury or associated clinics; it is not eligible for telework.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America’s Veterans by providing world-class health care. Working within the VHA means joining a culture of excellence, compassion, and professional growth. Whether you are assisting in ophthalmic surgeries or conducting complex diagnostic screenings, your work directly impacts the quality of life for the Veterans we serve.