Whether your vision problem is simple or complex, the Eye Institute has the resources to diagnose your condition, start you on a treatment and help you get back to ordinary life. In addition, because we are a national research center, we offer our patients the latest vision care possible. In fact, by participating in clinical trials, patients can often receive "next generation" treatments before the general public.
Comprehensive Eye Care
The physicians, optometrists, and staff of the Eye Institute provide the most comprehensive eye care in southeastern Wisconsin, from routine check-ups to emergency care and from the most advanced eye surgery to proven rehabilitation techniques. Our team includes specialists and subspecialists for the entire range of eye conditions. In addition, the Institute's Diagnostic Labs offer a full complement of up-to-date testing technology.
Our breadth and depth of service means we can approach your vision problems from every angle. For example, a patient with macular degeneration receiving help in our Vision Rehabilitation program also has full access to specialists in the Retina Service. By the same token, a retina patient with glaucoma can tap into the expertise of our Glaucoma Service physicians. No matter what your condition, your Eye Institute doctor can pull in specialists and resources to build the vision care team you need.
Learn more about the following services:
- Cataracts & Cornea Disorders
- Eye and Orbital Cancer Program
- Glaucoma Service
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastic Surgery
- Refractive Surgery (LASIK)
- Retina Service
- Wandering, Lazy, Crossed Eyes
Recommended Eye Exams
The Eye Institute recommends that adults who have no previous signs of eye problems and are not in a high-risk group for eye disease receive a comprehensive eye exam from an ophthalmologist according to the following recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
| Age | Frequency of Examination |
| 65 or older | every 1 or 2 years |
| 40 to 64 | every 2 to 4 years |
| 30 to 39 | at least twice during period |
| 20 to 29 | at least once during period |
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Understanding Your Vision and Medical Insurance
Routine Vision Exam
A routine vision exam usually covers:
- A vision screening
- An eye exam
- A refraction (the test used to determine your glasses prescription)
- A prescription for glasses
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, there may be an extra fee for a contact lens fitting. Coverage for this varies by plan, so please check with your vision insurance provider.
If a Medical Issue Is Found During Your Exam
During your eye exam, your doctor may identify a medical condition such as dry eye, an eye infection, diabetes-related changes, or another issue that requires medical care.
If this happens, your doctor may recommend one of the following options:
- Return for a separate medical visit.
- The medical visit would be billed to your medical insurance.
- Your routine vision exam would remain billed to your vision insurance.
- This is necessary because vision and medical insurance cannot both be billed on the same day.
- Address the medical issue during the current appointment.
- The current appointment would be billed to your medical insurance instead of your vision insurance.
- You would return another day for the routine vision exam, which would be billed to vision insurance.
- Please note that refraction (the test used to determine your glasses prescription) is not covered by medical insurance.
Your doctor will help you choose the option that best meets your individual care needs.
Questions About Costs
For an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost, please call Patient Financial Services at 414-777-0539. Please note, Medicare and most medical insurance plans do not cover refraction. The refraction service will be billed to you.
