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Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD

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Specializes in: Ophthalmology (Eye Disease)

University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine

Professional interests include: eye exam, cataracts, cataract surgery, and more.

1 S Park Street
Madison, WI 53715

(608) 916-2020

Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD is an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI specializing in ophthalmology (eye disease). She graduated from University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD is affiliated with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and UW Health.

Office Locations

UW Health

1 S Park Street
Madison, WI 53715

(608) 916-2020

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2349 Deming Way Suite 200
Middleton, WI 53562

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2500 Overlook Terrace William S. Middleton Mvh (607)
Madison, WI 53705

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2880 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705

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Some issues Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.

Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.

LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).

An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.

LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.

LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Affordability:

special stains

In 2023, Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD had a list price for special stains that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of providers in related specialties within Wisconsin. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 25%

By Volume:

lab tests

punctal plug insertion

By Affordability:

corneal topography

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within Wisconsin, Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD performed more lab tests, and punctal plug insertion procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and she also had a list price for corneal topography that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2012 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	37
doctor visit	654
eye procedures	892
lab tests	165
laser treatment	37
ultrasound (sonogram)	21

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2013 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	44
doctor visit	678
eye procedures	1314
lab tests	180
laser treatment	44

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	319
Female	503

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	777
Black	11
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	339
From 75 to 84	286
85 and over	129
Less than 65	68

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2013

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	21
Dementia	5
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2014 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	33
doctor visit	667
eye procedures	1205
lab tests	180
laser treatment	33

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	318
Female	460

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	720
Black	14
Hispanic	16
Asian	14
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	328
From 75 to 84	280
85 and over	114
Less than 65	56

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2014

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	24
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2015 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	46
doctor visit	464
eye procedures	1251
lab tests	178
laser treatment	46

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	614
Female	928

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1438
Black	0
Hispanic	24
Asian	24
Other	30
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	654
From 75 to 84	548
85 and over	220
Less than 65	120

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2015

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	22
Dementia	6
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2016 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	38
doctor visit	551
eye procedures	1618
lab tests	292
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	59
laser treatment	38

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	344
Female	529

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	809
Black	13
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	29
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	399
From 75 to 84	304
85 and over	109
Less than 65	61

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2016

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	22
Dementia	7
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2017 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	46
doctor visit	619
eye procedures	1270
lab tests	282
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	65
laser treatment	46
ultrasound (sonogram)	15

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	386
Female	534

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	835
Black	23
Hispanic	0
Asian	12
Other	38
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	459
From 75 to 84	285
85 and over	108
Less than 65	68

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2017

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	23
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2018 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	50
doctor visit	493
eye procedures	1370
lab tests	292
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	31
laser treatment	50
ultrasound (sonogram)	12

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	394
Female	589

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	900
Black	0
Hispanic	18
Asian	14
Other	39
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	473
From 75 to 84	357
85 and over	98
Less than 65	55

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2018

Hypertension	49
High Cholesterol	40
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	20
Dementia	6
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2019 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	34
doctor visit	479
eye procedures	968
lab tests	170
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	43
laser treatment	34

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	316
Female	479

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	733
Black	17
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	25
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	360
From 75 to 84	287
85 and over	105
Less than 65	43

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2019

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	21
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2020 were eye procedures, lab tests, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	44
doctor visit	476
eye procedures	915
lab tests	166
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	37
laser treatment	44
ultrasound (sonogram)	15

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	318
Female	409

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	671
Black	12
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	25
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	336
From 75 to 84	273
85 and over	79
Less than 65	39

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2020

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	21
Dementia	6
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2021 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	50
doctor visit	617
eye procedures	1165
lab tests	241
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	54
laser treatment	50
ultrasound (sonogram)	24

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	362
Female	508

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	785
Black	13
Hispanic	16
Asian	19
Other	37
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	400
From 75 to 84	313
85 and over	117
Less than 65	40

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2021

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	4
Diabetes	22
Dementia	7
Cancer	8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2022 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	48
doctor visit	584
eye procedures	1123
lab tests	208
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	72
laser treatment	48

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	365
Female	490

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	778
Black	14
Hispanic	0
Asian	14
Other	35
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	395
From 75 to 84	330
85 and over	95
Less than 65	35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2022

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	13
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	20
Dementia	5
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI during 2023 were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	62
doctor visit	497
eye procedures	1214
lab tests	238
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	72
laser treatment	62
ultrasound (sonogram)	12

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Male	344
Female	481

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	751
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	21
Other	34
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	328
From 75 to 84	355
85 and over	97
Less than 65	45

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD in 2023

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	22
Dementia	5
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Madison, WI were eye procedures, lab tests, lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.

capsulotomy	44
doctor visit	564
eye procedures	1192
lab tests	216
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	54
laser treatment	44
ultrasound (sonogram)	16

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD.

**Gender**
Female	492
Male	340

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	9
Asian / Pacific Islander	9
Non-Hispanic White	766
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	7
Other	24

**Age**
85 and over	105
75 to 84	301
Less than 65	52
65 to 74	372

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD From 2012 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	6
Osteoporosis	11
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	19
Atrial Fibrillation	9
Dementia	5
Cancer	9

Education & Training

Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD graduated from University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. She completed residency at University of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Ophthalmology and has a state license in Wisconsin.

Medical School: University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine

Residency: University of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: Ophthalmology

Licensed In: Wisconsin

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

UW Health

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Alcon Laboratories Inc	$124 $124
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$116 SEROQUEL XR $106	CRESTOR $11
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.	$72 PEDIARIX $56	Menveo $16
Alcon Vision LLC	$41 CLAREON $22	$19
Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.	$28 Tecnis Simplicity $28

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$381

Research Payments

Dr. Heather Ad Potter, MD has received 52 research payments totaling $43,105.

Biography

Dr. Heather Potter's specialty is ophthalmology (eye disease). She has a special interest in eyelid surgery, LASIK, and cataract surgery. Dr. Potter is a graduate of the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. Her medical residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with the University of Wisconsin. She is professionally affiliated with UW Health and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.