What kind of eye professional is this? An Ophthamologist or an Optometrist? The Ophthamologist is an M.D. specializing in eyes, and an Optometrist is an eye doctor like your dentist is a tooth doctor.
This could make a difference. I've done many dental offices and treatment rooms in EMT and have provided no special wiring except EGCs and GFCIs.
Does an Eye doctors office, in areas were eye exams are being performed, (ie mc-cable versus mc-hp type of cable.
The patient is not connected to elecrtomedical devices, IMO, Not a Patient Care Area.
According to the NPFA "Regulations Governing Committee Projects" this FI should no longer be valid, however it is still shown as an FI that applies to the 2008 code.Reference: Article 517
F.I. 99-1 (NFPA 70)
Question: Does Part II of Article 517 of the NEC apply to patient sleeping rooms of nursing homes or
limited care facilities where patient care activities do not involve the use of electrical or electronic life
support systems; or invasive procedures where patients are electrically connected to line connected
electromedical devices?
Answer: No.
Issue Edition: 1999
Reference: Article 517
Issue Date: August 1, 2000
Effective Date: August 21, 2000
6.6 Action Following Issuance of Formal Interpretation. Any
TC whose Document has been the subject of a Formal Interpretation
shall prepare a committee proposal clarifying the text of
the Document involved. The TC shall process such a proposal
in conformance with procedures set forth in 4.3. After issuance
of the next edition of the document, the Interpretation shall be
retired.