WHO IS A VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST?
A veterinary ophthalmologist is a veterinarian who specializes in eye and vision care for animals. Veterinary ophthalmologists complete 11-14 years of training and education including additional, specialized training after veterinary school. Veterinary ophthalmologists must complete a 1-year internship in veterinary medicine and surgery, and successfully complete a 3 or 4-year ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) approved residency in ophthalmology. For a person to become an ACVO Diplomate, his or her credentials are reviewed and must be accepted by the ACVO Credentials Committee for the applicant to be allowed to take the ACVO certifying examination. The certifying examination consists of written, practical, and surgical portions. After passing all of the above criteria, the veterinarian is recognized as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® and is now board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology. Only board-certified persons may call themselves a “veterinary specialist in ophthalmology,” or a “veterinary ophthalmologist”.
Our Treatment Capabilities:
- Comprehensive eye exams including Schirmer tear testing, tonometry, fluorescein staining
- Examination for OFA Eye Registry to evaluate breeding animals for inherited eye disease
- Cataract surgery with lens replacement
- Conjunctival grafts
- Corneal surgery
- Surgical and medical management of non-healing corneal ulcers
- Distichia/ectopic cilia removal
- Oculoplastic and reconstructive eyelid surgery
- Glaucoma management
- Medical and surgical management of KCS (dry eye)
- Ocular prosthesis
- Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for lowering intraocular pressure
- Retinal photocoagulation
- Laser treatment of pigmented tumors and iris cysts
Our advanced equipment and capabilities include:
- Slit lamp biomicroscopy to evaluate the eye with magnification
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy to evaluate the vitreous and retina
- Electroretinogram (ERG) which measures electrical responses in the retina and aids in diagnosing various retinal diseases
- Phacoemulsification equipment for performing cataract surgery
- Operating microscopes and ophthalmic surgical instruments to perform delicate intraocular and corneal surgery
- Ocular ultrasound equipment to perform more precise intraocular and orbital ultrasound evaluations
- Gonioscopy to determine genetic predisposition for glaucoma
- IRIDEX DioVet laser system to treat glaucoma, retinal disorders and pigmented tumors
- Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope which facilitates treatment of retinal photocoagulation, pigmented tumors and iris cysts