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For Referring Providers

Straightforward pediatric ophthalmology referrals in West Michigan.

Send a patient our way. Direct fax, phone, and a simple referral form below. We do closed-loop communication back to your office — a note after every visit, a phone call when something needs discussion.

Fax

(616) 796-9998

Confirm this is our referral fax at your first send.

Phone

(616) 796-9995

Ask for Dr. V or Dr. Borgman to discuss a case.

Email

office@happyeyes2see.com

Do not include PHI in email; fax or call for patient-specific info.

Why refer to us

  • Board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist (Dr. Vredevoogd) with fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. Over 20 years in West Michigan.
  • Hospital privileges at Zeeland Community Hospital, Spectrum Health, and Holland Hospital. Surgical cases done locally.
  • Pediatric optometry support from Dr. Kelly Borgman for glasses, follow-up, and routine pediatric care.
  • In-house optical shop — kids leave with frames selected and fitted the same day.
  • Bilingual (English / Spanish) support for patient families.

What to expect after you refer

  • Turnaround: new patients typically scheduled within 2–4 weeks. Urgent cases seen within a few days; same-day for emergencies during office hours.
  • Closed-loop communication: a summary note goes to your office after every visit. We'll call directly for anything time-sensitive.
  • Patient flow: most conditions we manage to completion. When a patient belongs at an academic tertiary center, we coordinate the handoff rather than bouncing them around.

Clinical quick-references

When to refer

The short version: any persistent misalignment after 4 months of age, a positive vision screen that the family can't rule out, a red eye that isn't resolving with standard care, a new-onset pupillary or alignment abnormality, or anything you just want a second set of eyes on. If it's not urgent, the online form or fax is fine. If it is, call.

Refer now

  • Leukocoria (white pupil) at any age — rule out retinoblastoma
  • New-onset strabismus, especially with headache, head tilt, or recent trauma
  • Possible orbital cellulitis
  • Eye pain with light sensitivity that isn't resolving
  • Suspected child eye trauma — same-day

Refer routine

  • Positive vision screen — especially after age 3
  • Persistent tear-duct obstruction past 12 months
  • Eye turning that's been there more than a few months
  • Children with syndromes (Down, Marfan, etc.) who need baseline ophthalmology
  • Juvenile arthritis patients — for regular screening uveitis exams

Printable single-page clinical reference sheets are in the works — reach out if you'd like a draft for your office.

Online referral form

Send a referral

For simple referrals and new-patient requests. Please do not include protected health information — use the fax number above for anything PHI-sensitive.

Please use de-identified terms. For PHI-level detail, fax or call.

Or fax to (616) 796-9998.