A lithography mask and method for manufacturing such mask that includes optically isolated via features and proximity correction features. The via patterns that include via features that define vias are positioned on the mask in rows and columns with a row and a column pitch between each row and column on the mask. The via patterns are positioned such that via features that are in adjacent columns are separated by at least one intervening row between them. The via patterns can also be positioned such that the via patterns that are in adjacent rows are separated by at least one intervening column between them. As a result, the via feature of each via pattern and the associated optical proximity correction features that are positioned around each via feature do not overlap with the optical proximity correction features and the via features of the surrounding via patterns.