Day of Visit

The pediatric eye exam is not a difficult experience for babies, toddlers or children.  Our office is designed for kids and Dr. Patterson uses a gentle approach.

1. Registration forms – see next page to download, fill out and print forms
2. Medical Insurance card – pediatric ophthalmology exams are not submitted to vision plans
3. Driver’s license or other photo ID
4. Previous eye exam records if applicable

1. All eyeglasses
2. Eye drops
3. Medication lists
4. Contact lens information if applicable

Please allow 1.5 hours in your schedule for the initial pediatric eye exam that usually includes 30-45 minutes for pupil dilation using pediatric dilating eye drops
Eye doctors (optometrists/ODs) who primarily see adults and accept vision insurance often do not perform pediatric dilated eye exams.
Eye instruments and techniques that evaluate eye health and glass prescriptions in adults can be inaccurate for young children. 

If your child has received a medical eye diagnosis such as "lazy eye/amblyopia" or "difficulty with eye tracking", pediatricians recommend an evaluation by an eye doctor experienced in pediatric eye exams.

To provide the best environment for your child’s eye exam and to answer all your questions, young brothers and sisters should not come to the appointment.

As a courtesy to other patients and to avoid a missed appointment fee, please call our office at least 24 business hours prior to your appointment if you need to reschedule your appointment.

Insurance and Costs

Our office is contracted with most medical insurance plans. Our office is not contracted with FORWARD Health (Medicaid) insurance plans. Please call if you have any questions about your medical insurance coverage.

Our office is not contracted with vision insurance plans. Pediatric ophthalmologists are medical and surgical eye specialists who evaluate eye concerns and treat eye conditions that do not qualify for routine vision coverage under a vision plan. Pediatric ophthalmology exam charges are submitted to your medical insurance policy like any other pediatric specialist.

Co-pays are due at the time of service. There are no additional facility or administrative fees. Out-of-pocket costs for our families are less than any other pediatric ophthalmologist in Wisconsin due to the efficiency of our independent practice.

If your medical insurance plan does not pay for the services provided, then it is the responsibility of the parent who brings the child to the appointment, regardless of divorce decree, to pay for the non-covered services.