The ambulatory ophthalmic surgery unit: concepts, regulations, and guidelines.

It is now accepted that ambulatory surgery--performed in a hospital-based, free-standing, or office-based unit--can be safe, efficacious and cost-effective. Establishment of a successful ambulatory ocular surgery unit requires thorough knowledge of pertinent local, state and federal regulations, as well as understanding of both the physical and functional needs of such a facility. In this article, these aspects of establishing an ambulatory ocular surgery unit are outlined, and sources of additional specific information are provided.