Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 233)
Washington, DC 20420
November 2006
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Low Vision Training: Training an individual with low vision to use his or her residual
vision. This may also include training in the use of low vision and other aids in
everyday situations and activities of daily living. Low Vision Services including Basic,
Intermediate, Poly-trauma Facility, Advanced, Visual Impairment Center to Optimize
Remaining Sight (VICTORS), Poly-trauma Rehabilitation Network Site, as well as
Poly-trauma Rehabilitation Center which may include Low Vision Services have
separate staffing, space, and workload requirements based upon the level and
intensity of vision rehabilitation care provided.
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Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the
comprehensive care of the eyes and visual system. An ophthalmologist is medically
trained and qualified to diagnose and treat all eye and visual system problems. An
ophthalmologist can deliver total eye care as well as diagnose general diseases of
the body. An ophthalmologist has completed 4 years of college premedical training, 4
or more years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and 3 years or more of
specialized medical training and experience in eye care. An additional 1 to 3 years
may be spent in sub-specialty training.
SOURCE: VHA Handbook 1121 (July 5, 2002): VHA Eye Care.
K Optometrist: Doctors of Optometry are independent primary health care providers
who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual
system, the eye and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic
conditions. An optometrist typically completes 4 years of baccalaureate training and 4
years of optometry training. Residency training is 1 year beyond attainment of the
optometry degree.
SOURCE: VHA Handbook 1121 (July 5, 2002): VHA Eye Care.
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Net-to-department gross factor (NTDG): This number, when multiplied by the
programmed net square foot (NSF) area, determines the departmental gross square
feet (DGSF) The NTDG factor adopted for Eye Clinic is 1.60.
M Program for Design (PFD): A space program based on criteria set forth in this
document and specific information about Concept of Operations, workload projections
and staffing levels authorized.
N Room Efficiency Factor: A factor that provides flexibility in the utilization of a room to
account for patient delays, scheduling conflicts, and equipment maintenance.
Common factors are in the 80 to 85% range. A room with 80% room efficiency
provides a buffer to assume that this room would be available 20% of the time
beyond the planned operational practices of the room. This factor may be adjusted
based on the actual and/or anticipated operations and processes of the room /
department.
O SEPS (VA-SEPS): Acronym for Space and Equipment Planning System, a digital tool
developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans
Affairs to generate a Program for Design (PFD) and an Equipment List for a VA
healthcare project based on specific information entered in response to Input Data
Questions. VA-SEPS incorporates the propositions set forth in all VA Space Planning
Criteria chapters. VA-SEPS has been designed to aid healthcare planners in creating
a space plan based on a standardized set of criteria parameters.
Eye Clinic (Chapter 233): Page 233-3 of 15
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