What is a Veterinary Specialty Ophthalmologist?
Veterinarians who have successfully completed a residency over several years, and have met the certification requirements of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) are considered Diplomates. These requirements include intensive training under the supervision of current ACVO diplomates and passing a rigorous multi-day exam. Upon completion of this program, this veterinarian is truly considered a specialist in Ophthalmology.

Why would my pet benefit from a consultation with an ophthalmologist?
Veterinary ophthalmologists deal exclusively with animal eye diseases and have the expertise as well as the specialized diagnostic equipment often required for the definitive diagnosis of your pet’s eye problem. Annual continuing education meetings provide the veterinary ophthalmologist with first hand knowledge of the latest available resources to offer their patients. Your primary veterinarian is updated after the appointment so that he or she is immediately aware of the nature of the problem and how we will plan to manage it.

Can my primary veterinarian perform follow-up exams once my pet’s problem is diagnosed?
We aim to work with your veterinarian to manage the problem, but progress is often measured with the help of equipment your veterinarian does not have readily available. Typically we direct the follow-up management after the initial diagnosis is made, but are delighted if your veterinarian can assist with some of the recheck appointments. For example, your veterinarian may be asked to monitor tear production or intraocular pressure, if we feel that these tests are required frequently over a time period.

What types of services does the Ophthalmology Department offer?
We specialize in diagnosis and treatment of all eye problems. Common conditions include corneal ulcers, eyelid abnormalities, dry eye, cataracts, ocular inflammation, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and ocular cancers. Cryosurgery, ocular ultrasound, electroretinograms, and CT scans are available specialty services. Canine eye registry foundation (CERF) exams are provided for breeding dogs and litters of puppies.

When is the Ophthalmology Department available for appointments?
Appointments may be scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00AM - 7:00PM.

How far in advance do I need to make an appointment?
We can usually see your pet within a week.

What kind of information does my regular veterinarian need to provide prior to the appointment?
Prior to the scheduled appointment we would like to have a referral letter from your veterinarian, containing any pertinent history about the eye problem and what, if any, medications have been used. If any recent lab work has been performed that may be helpful in the diagnosis, your vet can fax it to us so that we don’t repeat things unnecessarily.

Do I need to leave my pet with you for the exam?
The initial appointment includes you and your pet. If any additional testing is recommended, you may be asked to either leave your pet with us for a few hours, or to return during our next available diagnostic testing period (usually the next Wednesday or Saturday we are here).

Will my pet need anesthesia for any of these tests?
If sedation or general anesthesia is required for any additional procedure recommended, you will be informed of those details during the initial visit and can ask questions at the time. Additional testing procedures and surgeries can typically be scheduled within a week of the initial examination.

What if my pet requires surgery?
If surgery is recommended, it can usually be scheduled within a week. Most procedures are considered day-surgery, meaning you bring your pet in on the morning of the surgery and pick them up later that day. If your pet requires overnight monitoring after surgery for any reason, or if you are unable to arrange to pick your pet up the day of surgery, your pet can spend the night under the observation of certified emergency-care nurses and a staff emergency doctor.