Ophthalmology ASC Design for Case Flow

Layout is a throughput decision

Every extra step between pre-op, the operating room, and recovery costs minutes on every case, all day long. Those minutes are invisible on a floor plan and unavoidable in operation — which is why layout is one of the most consequential decisions in ASC development.

Separate the three flows

The best ophthalmic ASCs keep three flows distinct so they never cross or compete for the same space.

• Patient flow: pre-op to OR to PACU to discharge without crossing staff or soiled paths
• Staff flow: quick access to ORs, supplies, and sterile processing
• Instrument flow: a short, reliable loop between the OR and sterile processing

Design the OR for turnover

Turnover happens in the operating room, so the room should be designed to make it fast. Standardization is the key: identical layout in every OR means staff never have to think about where things are.

• Standardized room layout across every OR
• Supplies staged for the next case before the current one ends
• Equipment positioned to eliminate hunting and travel
• Storage sized for a full day of cases, not a single case

Build in the operating system

Physical design and the management system must match. Visual boards, huddle space, and a place for the report card should be designed in from the start — not bolted on after opening.