Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 233)
Washington, DC 20420
November 2006
Provide one if less than five residency / internship / externship program
participants and if in Concept of Operations.
Alternatively sum with other small programs in Chapter 402. Do not duplicate
space.
10. Library, Ophthalmology / Optometry (LIBB1) .................. 240 NSF (22.3 NSM)
Provide one if Clinic is remote from central library facility or in authorized Concept
of Operations.
6
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A. Net-to-department gross factor (NTDG) for Eye Clinic is 1.60. This number when
multiplied by the programmed net square foot (NSF) area, determines the
departmental gross square feet.
B. The Eye Clinic should be located adjacent to the Ambulatory Care Clinic (Hospital
based).
C. The recommendations of these criteria are based on workload / number of clinical
stops at the Eye Clinic. An alternative staffing-generated method is based upon
having 2.5 Exam / Treatment Rooms per 1.0 FTE eye care provider (Optometrist or
Ophthalmologist), 1.0 FTE Eye Technician per 1.0 FTE eye care provider as well as
adequate clerical and administrative support. For workload planning purposes, there
are about two annual eye care provider visits per unique veteran. The number of
unique veterans seen at any VA facility will vary dependent upon the prevalence and
complexity of ocular disease conditions in the veteran population served. With a
higher incidence of mental health disorders and/or long term care patients, there is
expected to be fewer unique veterans receiving eye care services. The more
ambulatory procedures performed, the potentially fewer unique veterans receiving
care. For optometry, the majority of primary eye care services provided includes a
comprehensive eye examination with refraction, so although there may be fewer
visits, there will be a greater number of unique patients receiving care.
D. Exam / Treatment Rooms should be designed to accommodate the specialized
equipment required for eye testing. Windows to the exterior may be provided but
total room darkening capability should be able to be attained. Each Exam /
Treatment and Low Vision Examination / Training room should be provided with a
hand washing sink, paper towel dispenser, and waste receptacle. The sink needs to
be provided with either wrist blades or motion sensors for infection control purposes.
Light dimming should be available. The rooms should be designed to accommodate
the specialized equipment required for eye testing that includes special ophthalmic
equipment stand arms and ability to move / glide the patient examination chair
necessary for wheelchair, scooter, or gurneys patients.
E. Patient corridors should be a minimum of 8'-0" wide, to accommodate wheelchairs,
motorized scooters, or gurneys.
F. Consideration should be given to the effects of building vibration, as building vibration
could interfere with the accuracy of patient testing.
Eye Clinic (Chapter 233): Page 233-13 of 15
Previous Page
