Eye Exam Costs for Amblyopia and Strabismus: Component Breakdown

Costs vary by provider (optometrist vs. ophthalmologist), region, and complexity. 2024 estimates:

Component	Typical Range	Notes
Initial consultation (pediatric specialist)	$150–$300	May be separate from exam
Comprehensive sensorimotor exam	$200–$350	Visual acuity, cover test, stereopsis, motility, refraction (cycloplegic)
Specialized testing	$75–$250 each	OCT, VEP, ERG, Hess screen, synoptophore
Cycloplegic refraction (drops)	$50–$150	Essential for accurate Rx in children
Glasses/contacts	$100–$500+	Frames, lenses (polycarbonate, anti-reflective), fitting
Follow-up visits	$75–$200	Every 3–6 months for amblyopia therapy monitoring
Vision therapy (if prescribed)	$100–$200/session	12–24 sessions typical; often not covered

Insurance Considerations

• Medical insurance (not vision) covers disease-related exams
• Vision plans cover routine refraction + materials
• Pre-authorization often needed for specialized testing/therapy
• In-network vs. out-of-network: 2–3× cost difference

Request written estimate with CPT codes before scheduling.