Only then did we
realize that the facili-
ty's design would have
forced the techs to
put instruments
down, open the OR
doors, pick the instru-
ments back up, go
through and close the
doors behind them. A
detail like that may
sound minor, but
wasted seconds add
up, especially in a vol-
ume-driven specialty
like cataract surgery.
Fortunately, we still
had enough time to
install electronic
opening devices with
kick plates at foot
level. The lesson: Every decision is important. You can't do too many
walk-throughs and process reviews when assessing the following
design essentials.
• Room size and layout. You don't need a lot of space for an all-pur-
pose ophthalmic operating room. Most guidelines suggest at least 325
square feet (15 x 15). You do, however, need to be strategic in terms
of where the medical gases are piped in and where the overhead
lights are situated. As long as you have those 3 components — ade-
quate space, gas and good lighting — you can make any OR work.
2 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8
• START-UP COSTS Expect to spend between $350,000 and $450,000 to fill a
cataract OR with needed supplies and equipment.
Todd
Albertz